QATAR AIRWAYS is rolling out lie-flat seats equal to the size of a double bed for business class flyers on their latest aircraft.

At a press conference in Doha this week, the carrier showcased the new features of the A350 XWB, their latest fleet acquisition that includes exclusive 80-inch flat beds to which Qatar has obtained proprietary rights.

The new cabin innovation is Qatar’s answer to rival Etihad, which threw down the gauntlet in luxury air travel when it launched its onboard apartment concept last year, a three-room suite that comes with shower and personal butler.

Qatar calls its latest double bed offering unrivalled in the industry and claims it could shake up traditional cabin configurations by making first class redundant.

On the A350 XWB, for instance, the airline has eliminated a first class cabin and kept the configuration to economy and business.

The double beds will be offered at business class fares. 

The maiden commercial service will roll out on a sold-out flight from Doha to Frankfurt on January 15.