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Airline: Qatar Airways (Cathay Pacific Airframe)
Flight Number: QR675
Route: DOH-MLE
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Registration: A7-BOI (Leased from Cathay Pacific previously B-KPS)
Delivered: March 2011
Flight Duration: 4 Hours 20 Minutes
Distance: 2,055 Miles
Overall Impression:
During the pandemic, Qatar Airways leased several Boeing 777-300ERs from Cathay Pacific, and remarkably, these aircraft are still in active service. The Business Class cabin on these ex-Cathay planes features the reverse herringbone seats that many frequent flyers fell in love with back in 2012. While the cabin’s layout and seat design remain largely unchanged—save for some minor upholstery updates—the experience is a fusion of two exceptional airlines.
Though the hard product is quintessentially Cathay Pacific, the service, amenities, and catering are pure Qatar Airways. This blend offers travelers the best of both worlds: Cathay’s stellar seat design combined with Qatar’s award-winning hospitality.
On our recent flight, the service truly stood out. The flight attendants were friendly, attentive, and proactive throughout, ensuring a seamless journey from boarding to landing.
Catering was equally impressive. Every meal was not only beautifully presented but also tasted fresh and delicious, living up to Qatar Airways’ high standards.
This unique collaboration between two world-class airlines continues to offer a one-of-a-kind experience.
What I liked:
The seats – Although these seats are over a decade old and considered a “downgrade” compared to Qatar Airways’ renowned QSuite product, they remain exceptionally spacious and comfortable. Whether lounging or sleeping, I found the seat design to be practical and well-suited for long-haul travel. Despite their age, these reverse herringbone seats continue to provide a premium and relaxing experience.
The service – The cabin crew on this flight were outstanding. They were not only charming but also eager to ensure we had a memorable journey. From offering a pre-departure beverage before takeoff to promptly responding to our requests, their attention to detail was evident throughout. The meal service was particularly impressive with Qatar’s dine-on-demand service, where you can have your meal at any time during the flight. We were also given a box of swiss chocolates as a parting gift.
The Food – The catering on this flight was exceptional, living up to Qatar Airways’ high standards. After takeoff, a beverage service was followed by a delicious 3-course meal. For the starter, I chose the Wild Mushroom Soup, which was served piping hot and bursting with flavor. My companion opted for the Chicken Galantine with Apricot Compote, which was beautifully presented and equally delectable.
For the main course, I enjoyed the Tortellini with Parmesan—scrumptious and perfectly cooked. My companion chose the Beef Filet, which was a bit more well-done than expected but still tender and flavorful. To finish, we both indulged in the Dark Chocolate and Mixed Berry Torte, a rich and decadent dessert that was the perfect sweet ending to the meal.
The Onboard amenities – For this 4-hour flight, rather than a full amenity kit, we were provided with a mini version, which was still a thoughtful touch. In addition, a full-size pillow and a thick duvet were offered, ensuring comfort throughout the journey. The lavatories were well-maintained, clean, and stocked with essential toiletries, including toothbrushes and razors—details that added to the overall convenience and comfort of the flight.
It was OK:
The Leeli Lounge at MLE – The Leeli Lounge at Velana International Airport in Male is the sole premium lounge available, offering a functional space with adequate seating. However, the decor is rather basic and lacks the charm of more luxurious lounges. The food and beverage selection is limited, and notably, it does not include any alcoholic drinks. While it serves as a decent place to grab a quick bite or relax before your flight, it’s not a destination worth lingering at for extended periods.
What I didn’t like:
No Personal Air Nozzles – Unfortunately, this aircraft is not equipped with personal air nozzles, so you won’t have the option to adjust the airflow to your liking during the flight. It’s not a major issue, but it’s worth noting if you prefer a bit more control over your cabin temperature.
Bottom Line:
Overall, this flight with Qatar Airways on an ex-Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER offered a solid experience, combining Cathay’s comfortable seats with Qatar’s exceptional service, amenities, and catering. The spacious reverse herringbone seats, though a decade old, provided ample comfort for lounging and sleeping. The crew was attentive and friendly, while the food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. While the Leeli Lounge in Male is functional, it lacks standout features, and the absence of personal air nozzles on the plane is a minor downside. Nevertheless, the overall journey was enjoyable and met expectations for both comfort and service.
TravelingFoody.com 