Qatar Airways to launch First Class, as airline courts Airbus and Boeing for new planes [Video]

Qatar Airways is developing a First Class concept and pursuing aircraft orders from aviation giants Boeing and Airbus, as part of a broader strategic overhaul under new group CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer.

“This is a new era,” Al Meer told CNBC on Thursday, unveiling changes at the airline that follow a multi-month “war room” review. Formerly the chief operating officer of Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, Al Meer took over from long-time predecessor Akbar Al Baker as Qatar Airways CEO in November and seeks to refresh the airline’s strategy and reset supplier relationships.

Al Meer confirmed to CNBC that Qatar Airways is now developing a high-yielding First Class concept for its cabins.

“We wanted to combine the experience of flying commercial and flying on a private jet and develop something new,” he said. “We are 70% to 80% ready. …