Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/666022
130 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF QATAR AIRWAYS THIS IS NOT JUST A BRIDGE BETWEEN BOSTON AND QATAR—IT'S A GATEWAY TO THE REST OF THE WORLD. FLY AWAY ON THE WINGS OF ITS MOST ADVANCED JET EVER, QATAR AIRWAYS BRIDGES BOSTON AND DOHA. Your Middle Eastern jaunt just got a whole lot closer—and comfier. Last month, Qatar Airways, rated "Airline of the Year" in 2015 by Skytrax, landed its first direct flight from Doha to Logan International Airport, inaugurating daily, non-stop service between Boston and the Qatari capital. Shuttling passengers between the two hubs is the fleet's newest addition, the 356-passenger Airbus A350, which was custom- designed by Qatar Airways engineers and Airbus designers and specializes in "long-haul" flights. Among its technological advancements is a cutting-edge air filtration system that, by continu- ously replenishing the cabin with fresh (not recycled) air, reducing cabin pressure, and optimizing humidity levels, is said to reduce jet lag. (The effect is strengthened by a dynamic LED lighting system that helps manage passenger melatonin levels.) Other luxe amenities include custom meals (based on passengers' preferences for all-organic, multi-ethnic, Indian, Arab, and more), ergo- nomic seating, and ultrafine Frette sheets for the fully reclining business class seats. "This new route will act as a bridge for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange with the city of Boston," says Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways' chief executive. As 85 percent of Qatar passengers flying to Doha fly on to another destination (Bali, Hong Kong, the Maldives), this route is not just a bridge between Boston and Qatar—it's a gateway to the rest of the world. . Qatar Airways' own engineers designed the cutting-edge Airbus A350. BELOW, FROM LEFT: In-flight meals are completely customizable; fully reclining business class beds add comfort and ease to "long-haul" flights. SPACE AIRWAVES