Qatar Airways' Dreamliner service to London to begin December 13

The 787 Dreamliner will debut on the Heathrow route as the carrier becomes the first airline to operate regular scheduled flights to the UK with Boeing's next generation aircraft.

Qatar Airways took delivery of the first of 60 Dreamliners earlier this month with the second arriving over the weekend. Both aircraft are currently operating commercial flights on intra-Gulf routes to familiarise operating crew with the aircraft before entering the long-haul market.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the maiden long-haul 787 service to London had been in the pipeline for some time.

"We are delighted at last with today's announcement that in just over two weeks' time, the UK market will see its first 787 on a regular full commercial service when it flies into London Heathrow," he said.

"Inaugurating our 787 on the London Heathrow route puts Qatar Airways firmly on the global aviation map as a carrier with a determination to continue its expansion drive and improve an already superior in-flight product.

"Both new and existing customers in the UK and further afield on connecting flights will soon have an opportunity to fly on the most talked-about aircraft in the world in and out of London.

"We have already received our second 787 with a further three to join our fleet by the end of the year. And we won't stop there. With more 787s being inducted into the fleet next year, further route launches and our move to a brand new international airport in Doha during 2013, we continue to look forward to another year of exciting developments.

"With our ever-expanding international network, more people from different parts of the world will have an opportunity to fly Qatar Airways and our new 787s to and from our Doha hub."

Qatar Airways' 787s are the world's first fully connected Dreamliners with wireless facilities for passengers to remain in touch with friends on the ground through the internet and SMS mobile texting.

Each seat will offer the touch screen Android system, where passengers are able to navigate through an interactive service offering more than 1,000 movie, TV programmes, music and gaming entertainment options.

Additionally, the 787 Dreamliner is made up of composite materials making it a lighter and more fuel efficient than any comparable aircraft of its size and range. Key features include larger windows, lower cabin pressure at higher altitude ensuring less fatigue, mood lighting throughout the aircraft and more passenger space and comfort.