Qatar Airways has become the launch customer of Airbus A340-600 High Gross Weight (HGW) version of the world's longest passenger jet. The 266-seat aircraft in a three-class configuration, which is capable of flying non-stop between Doha and the US east coast with a full load of passengers and cargo, was given a fireman's salute welcome yesterday at Doha International Airport following a flight from Airbus' headquarters in Toulouse.

The A340-600 is the world's longest passenger jet with an overall fuselage length of 75m.

Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar al-Baker, chairman of Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority and the New Doha International Airport Steering Committee, Abdulaziz al-Noaimi, and Col Nasser Al-Malki, director of the airport's Passports and Security Department, were among those who received the aircraft at the airport.

The aircraft's arrival also marked another first for Qatar Airways as the airline displayed its new livery. The livery change is Qatar Airways' first since its relaunch in 1997. The revamped livery will gradually be introduced as new aircraft join Qatar Airways' expanding fleet, while existing planes will be repainted progressively over time.

Speaking to reporters on board the new aircraft, al-Baker said Airbus A340-600 High Gross Weight aircraft has a three-class cabin layout with innovative onboard features such as dedicated first and business class lounges for passengers travelling in the premium cabins to unwind and relax.

Another unique feature is live television programme with Qatar Airways becoming the first international airline to provide passengers with live streaming of a number of channels direct to their seatback TV systems.

The enhancements, he said, were part of an ongoing product revamp that began last autumn with the roll-out of a new style of onboard service across the airline's premium cabins on long-haul flights.

The new A340-600 features eight first class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, 42 business class seats in a 2-2-2 layout and 216 economy seats configured 2-4-2.

Al Baker said: "Today marks another historic day for Qatar Airways. Once again, we are witnessing further milestones with the arrival of our first Airbus A340-600.

Passengers flying in the premium cabin of the A340-600 (HGW) aircraft will have a dedicated onboard first class lounge allowing them to relax and eat in a special area. Epitomising luxury and innovation, the new first class lounge promises to be one of the best in the air when it takes to the skies this summer.

The lounge features a stand-up bar with drinks rack and spotlight mood lighting. It also features cream leather sofas that can seat up to six passengers. Lampshades are positioned on two teak wooden tables, while a special additional aspect is electronically-operated window shades.

The general ambience of the lounge is one of comfort and relaxation with Qatar Airways' strong burgundy corporate colours very evident in the curtains, carpets and furniture.

Al-Baker described the revolutionary changes as a "giant step forward" for the airline as it enters the next generation of air travel.

"Our new first class lounge onboard our A340-600 aircraft reflects the importance we pay to our premium class passengers who are looking for that little more attention, privacy and comfort.

"We cannot rest on our laurels. That is why we are taking significant steps forward in both our image and product offering.

"The A340 is our first four-engined aircraft, we are the first Middle East airline to offer passengers dedicated onboard first and business class lounges. We are the world's first customer of this type of aircraft capable of flying with a full load of passengers and cargo for up to 14 hours non-stop.

"We look forward to seeing passengers experience our award-winning five star service and comfort on this wonderful aircraft, which will be used on a number of long-haul routes from Doha such as London Heathrow, Osaka and the US east coast."

Al-Baker revealed Qatar Airways had ordered 10 A340-600s for deliveries beginning this summer and spread over a two-year period.

Photograph 1: The new Airbus A340-600 High Gross Weight aircraft being given a water canon salute at the airport.

Photograph 2: Akbar al-Baker in the cockpit of Qatar Airways' new Airbus A340-600 High Gross Weight aircraft following its arrival at the Doha International Airport.