Qatar Airways' award-winning Business Class seat, Qsuite, will make its China debut on flights to Shanghai from May 15, it was announced.

Long known for pioneering industry firsts, Qsuite continues to redefine premium travel with its patented quad seating configuration, and will shortly provide Shanghai-bound travellers the opportunity to experience this new standard of luxury.

"Shanghai was Qatar Airways' first gateway to China in October 2003. It is therefore fitting that we have chosen it to introduce our award-winning Qsuite product on flights to China, further demonstrating the strength of our commitment to the Chinese market," Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker said.

"With Qsuite, we have redefined industry norms and have truly revolutionised Business Class travel by offering passengers a First Class experience in a Business Class cabin, bringing unparalleled inflight comfort, luxury and style to our discerning customers," he added.

Patented by Qatar Airways, Qsuite features the industry's first-ever double bed available in Business Class and private cabins for up to four people with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room, a first of its kind in the industry.

Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the centre four seats allow colleagues, friends or families travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialise together.

According to Qatar Airways, these new features provide the ultimate customisable travel experience that enables passengers to create an environment that suits their own unique needs.

Qsuite has set a new standard in luxury travel, and is already fast collecting awards since its launch at ITB Berlin last year.

Earlier this month, Qatar Airways won a Crystal Cabin Award for 'Best Cabin Concept' in recognition of Qsuite's innovative design. The award, announced at the Aircraft Interiors Exposition that took place in Hamburg, Germany, was decided by a jury of 28 international experts to distinguish pioneering on-board innovation by airlines.

Qatar Airways currently has 31 weekly flights to six mainland China gateways: Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chongqing and Chengdu.