Ladies and Gentlemen, Qatar invites us to a Boeing 787 tour to Vienna on April 1st. That’s how he reproached the message from the chairman he sent us. First April, but clear! But we were assured that the jest is definitely not, and so on this crazy day we set out for Schwechat.
After parking the cars in Parkhouse 3, we could not miss the bottom of Boeing 707 with the inscription Islamic republic of Iran. A very rare matter nowadays and especially in our lands. Unfortunately, we did not do a good photo due to the pillars and objects that covered it. Our journey continued to Terminal 3, directly to Qatar’s desk, where a representatives of Qatar Airways – Priska Glatzer and station manager Doris Voelkerer awaited us.
Followed by a welcome, acquaintance, a few sentences about Qatar, and a check-in procedure. We get passes, we go through the check, we wear reflective vests, and without further due, we proceed to Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration A7-BCM.
We joined Mrs. Priska. The interior of Dreamliner is immediately modern and very appealing. We first settled in Business Class. We’ve all made ourselves comfortable in quality chairs. We have tried the multimedia systems that are available to every passenger. Remote controls handy, folding table under each monitor, seat control in all directions, all for a pleasant flight.
We get more information. The airplane from Doha in Qatar to Vienna has two classes – Business Class with 22 seats and Economy Class with 232 seats. Each seat in both classes is equipped with a touchscreen, system control with audio and video selection, USB port and iPort.
Business Class
Economy Class
In the next phase, Qatar airways technician presented us the “mood lighting” of the interior and its function. The colors changed quite rapidly and it looked like a disco for a while because the change of light can be done immediately.
The Boeing 787 boasts superbly large windows, but it has surprised us that in spite of their size, they are not fitted with any roller blinds or pull-on curtains. They are totally absent. The windows are equipped with controls to simply “darken” the window. Glasses contain something like liquid crystals, making clear glass in a few seconds, but still transparent. The level of “shade” is chosen by any passenger, of course, if he is sitting by the window.
After brief introduction and instructional information, we walked through the plane. Most of us, however, first of all, it was clear from the beginning, were pounding into the cockpit. It’s really gorgeous. There is coziness and digital modernity. There was also a technician who willingly answered our questions.
Gradually we saw the whole cockpit airplane, through the front kitchen, WC, Business Class, WC again, economy class, again and again the toilet, to the rear “big” kitchen. The next part of the excursion went on outside, so we have the opportunity to shoot Dreamliner from the outside as well. The massive engines, chassis and wings high above the surface of the Vienna area amaze us with their design and true high-tech impression. This was a magnificent beauty blending with technological and mechanical efficiency in one perfect and straightforward whole.
After thoroughly documenting the aircraft from outside, we went back to the terminal, where we thanked and congratulated our dear companions from Qatar. Subsequently, we moved to the viewing terrace to snug Dreamliner a whole from a distance, and we waited for his departure.
photos: Martin Susi, Niki Kapsamunov
