Flying Qatar Airways Economy Class (Part 2: Doha to Singapore, Airbus 350-1000)

 Welcome to my final trip report for 2025! 

My ride: A7-ANA (Photo: Jason Xu) 

For my previous trip report with Qatar Airways Airbus A350-900 Economy Class Experience, click here.

A tribute goes out to all the heroes out there defending the countries and victims that suffered in this unneccessary war in the Middle East. 

Introduction 

This flight QR948 was originally scheduled to be operated by the A350-900 and fortunately just a few months before departure, I received a notification from both Flighty and the airline itself about the aircraft change and I was delighted because 90% of the flights with the Airbus A350 was flown with the -900 series and only flew the -1000 twice with Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic so it was great to fly on the -1000 once again. The main difference between the -900 and -1000 are the larger capacity with the latter and also it has a longer range than the -900 (About 1000 km difference). For the interior comparison, it is similar with both aircraft offering Qsuites and Economy Class cabins and for the inflight WiFi, the A350 fleet is powered by Starlink. For this trip report, I will share with you my A350-1000 economy class experience and do a short comparison with my previous flight. All I can tell you is between both the 787-9 and this aircraft for economy class expcerience, I prefer this aircraft. Why? Do read on to find out. 

So without further ado, let's begin this trip report! 

Transit at Doha Airport 

This part of the airport has both the travellator and the train system which helps to cut down on walking time.

What does this look like to you? 

I made my way to the concourse D and that took quite a while. 

This looks familiar to the one at Jewel (Changi Airport). 

Personally, I find this quite beautiful. 

Welcome to the Orchard at Doha Airport! 

The night time at this place is my preference. 

Overall I think this is a nice place to hang around. 

Welcome to Concourse D! 

This is the newer part of the terminal. 

There are business class seats available on my next flight. However at this price, I decided it was not worth it. 

This part of the terminal was quite empty at this timing. 

A lot of seating area with charging ports available. 

Gate D5 was where my flight is departing from. 

I decided to walk around since I had time. 

These are the flights departing at concoruse D. 

I rested over here for a short while. 

Soon the boarding time was approaching and I went back to the gate. 

Time to board! 

Approaching Qatar's first A350-1000 (A7-ANA)! 

Almost there! 

Let's board this beautiful A350-1000!

My ride: A7-ANA 

Leased from JP Lease (JLPS) from March 2020

Airbus A350-1041 

Configuration: C46 Y281 

Engines: 2 X Roll Royce Trent XWB-97 

Delivered in February 2018

88th Airbus A350 in production

Age: 8+ Years Old (March 2026) 

Built in Toulouse (TLS)

Beautiful isn't it? This A350-1000 is around 7 metres longer than the -900 series. 

Flight route: DOH-SIN

Miles: 3,857 

Average Flight Time: 5 hours 30 minutes 

Airlines flying on this route: Qatar Airways 

My seat: 40K (Photo: Aerolopa.com)

Date of departure: 28th December 2025

Airline: Qatar Airways 

Flight: QR948

Route: DOH-SIN

Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000

Registration: A7-ANA 

Seat: 40K 

Class: Economy 

Gate: A5 

Load: 90% in Y Class 

Flight Time: 6 hours 45 minutes 

Actual Flight Time 7 hours 18 minutes 

Schedule Departure: 0205

Boarding: 0115 (stuck at the aerobridge for a while and at 0130, I was on board)

Push Back: 0207 

Take Off: 0232

Schedule Arrival: 1455

Actual Arrival: 1449 

Departure Runway: 16L 

Departure Weather: Cloudy 

Arrival Runway: 02L 

Arrival Weather: Cloudy 

My Flight Experience 

Boarding process took place on time but because this aircraft arrived from Jeddah not too long ago, I was not surprised that we were made to wait for a short while midway through the jet bridge towards the aircraft as the cleaners had not complete cleaning the aircraft. Once we boarded the aircraft, I notice the difference between this aircraft and the 787 in terms of the cabin width and once I sat down with my seat mate turning up not long after, I settled down and it was certainly not as cramp as the 787 economy class experience (previous flight). 

The captain made an announcement regarding about our flight progress but there was no mention about any turbulence. After our aircraft pushed back and start up, we took off about 27 minutes behind schedule and for the inflight service, it was pretty normal, nothing spectacular with this set of crew. We were offered snack not too long after take off and then the cabin lights were dimmed for most parts of the flight to allow us to rest. 

For most parts of the flight, it was smooth until we were near Malaysia where we hit quite a bit of turbulence as we were flying through the clouds, seat belt sign was turned on for that one to two hours including the breakfast service but nothing bad about it. As for the meal, I find the quality to be ok and as for  the overall comfort of the economy class on board this aircraft, I enjoyed it. 

For the flight into Singapore, we were placed onto a holding pattern due to heavy traffic at Changi Airport. However we managed to land at the airport about 6 minutes ahead of schedule. The landing was slightly rough as our aircraft hit the runway with a bit of force and reality reminded me that I am back in Singapore and work is waiting for me. 

Business Class (QSuites) 

Qatar has 2 configurations for the Airbus A350-1000: Type 1 - 46 Business Class and 281 Economy Class seats and Type 2 - 24 Business Class and 368 Economy Class seat 

This aircraft (A7-ANA) features the type 1 configuration. 

There are 46 Collins Aerospace Qsuites seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration with front and rear facing seats on alternate rows. 

These seats are lie-flat type and have sliding door to enhance privacy. 

- Seat width of 21.5 inches 

- Seat recline of up to 180 degrees 

- 21.5 inches of HD Touch Screen Display 

- Universal AC and USB-type A socket 

- Secure Storage locker is available 

These seats are identical to the ones on the A350-900 

My favourite camera view! 

Facing backwards is not a problem for me. 

Couples will certainly enjoy sitting together and enjoying each other's company. 

More photos and my flight experience on this business class cabin - Qsuites on my A350-900 trip report (Same product) over here.

Economy Class 

(My main focus for this trip report) 

There are 281 Recaro 3710 slimline seats configured in a 3-3-3 arrangement in this type 1 A350-1000 aircraft. 

- Seat width of 18 inches 

- Legroom space of 31 inches 

- Seat can recline up to 5 inches 

- Adjustable armrests 

- Adjustable headrest 

- 10.6 inches of HD Touchscreen Display

- USB Type A and Universal power sockets are available 

Welcome to the Economy Class!

I like the window seat with the extra legroom space but it was not available when I did the booking. 

The cabin interior reminds me of Japan Airlines' A350. 

Here is my window seat for the next 7 hours plus.

View of the rear section from my seat

View of the front section from my seat 

This aircraft cabin is easily identified (A350) due to the only aircraft type that has overhead screen displaying the seatbelt sign, availability of wifi sign, no smoking sign and keep your phone in flight mode sign. (for Qatar's cabin configuration). 

Mood lighting was used during the flight. I am certainly a fan of it. 

Time to say goodbye to this cabin! 

The flight experience was not bad. 

If only the seat pitch is better. Perhaps 32 inches instead of 31.

One day I like to try to the window seat with the extra legroom space. 

The bulkhead row 

More photos of the seat 

The universal charging port is located at a more convenient position for each passenger. 

Besides it, is a card reader and is used to make inflight purchases with contactless credit/debit cards. 

The view of the economy class seats across the aisle. 

Each passenger gets a reading light, individual aircon vent and the important inflight display.

The view of my seat

What's provided for each passenger? 

Headphone - quality is decent. 

Each economy class passengers received an amenity kit. 

Blanket 

Pillow 

Bi-foldable tray table 

Tray table fully extended 

Disposal Bag 

Refreshing towel 

Inflight menu 

Late night snack and brunch were offered on this flight. 

I had 3 options and for those who didn't want a full meal could opt for the Apple crumble cake. 

Inflight meals 

This is the Caesar chicken sandwich option and I opted for a cup of ginger ale. 

For branch, I went for the red curry chicken which I find the quality to be quite alright. This meal also comes with bircher museli, a selection of fruits, dark roll bread and a choice of beverage (orange juice). 

After that, the crew came and distribute a biscoff biscuit to each one of us. 

Inflight Entertainment 

You can use the scan code on your phone to connect it to the entertainment system and your phone can act as a remote control thanks to the bluetooth technology. 

I prefer the universal socket to be positioned below the entertainment system as shown below.

The HD screen quality is top notch. 

My favourite feature of the Inflight Entertainment system is the external camera view. 

The inflight safety video 

While I enjoy Kevin Hart's movie, I am not a fan of this safety video. 

If you ask me to give this safety video a rating, I would give it 3 stars out of 5. 

I certainly miss the comfort of the business class cabin. 

2 lovely ladies posing for the camera! 

This is the airline's Boeing 777-300ER. 

We were on our way to the active runway.

With the aircraft's lights turned on, I was able to enjoy the taxi and take off view from the exterior camera. 

The flight information offers a detailed information of my flight. 

Enjoying every minute flying towards my home base. 

The weather was not too bad during our descent. 

We were placed on a holding pattern due to heavy traffic.

With the landing gear out, it means one thing, we were on final approach. 

Few more seconds to go! 

This is runway 02 Left! 

We taxied towards terminal 3. 

Here we are and that concludes my final trip of the year! 

Inflight Wifi 

With the Starlink connection, I was able to connect to my apps and surf the internet without any issues. 

Flighty and Flightradar24 kept me well updated on my flight's progress. 

My preferred flight map 

All you need to do when you board the aircraft fitted with Starlink is to connect to the OryxComms network.

I did a check on the wifi speed and it turned out not bad at all. 

I was able to connect to the WiFi from the start to the end of the flight.

That enabled me to monitor my flight whenever I can. 

This part of the flight was slightly turbulent due to the clouds covering our path. 

Window view photos 

The view from my seat at Doha airport. 

We pushed back 2 minutes behind schedule. 

We headed towards the runway. 

Many hours later, we get to enjoy the morning light. 

We still had a few hours to go before landing. 

We were placed on a holding pattern and made quite a number of turns but I didn't mind at all.

The A350 winglets 

It is common to spot some unfriendly clouds.

Fortunately, we flew past them. 

Finally, we were given permission to start descending and prepare for arrival. 

We were coming in from Batam side. (Indonesia)

The familar view of the cargo ships

Seconds to touchdown as we flew past the Tanah Merah Country Club. 

The PIE (Pan Island Expressway) connects to the ECP (East Coast Parkway) linking to the airport and the city. 

No prize for guessing who dominates this airport. 

It's sad to see some of the Boeing 777-300ER grounded. 

I am glad we landed on this runway as it has been a long time for me. 

We had a rough touch down as we landed on runway 02R. The strange thing is it wasn't windy at that point of time. 

Once we were cleared of the runway, we taxied towards terminal 3. 

My first sight of Xiamen Air's Airbus A321neo. 

We parked at the tarmac which is located between gate C11-16 and D30-36 which can be seen from the viewing gallery at Terminal 1.

We parked at gate D34. For me, I am heading home and for this aircraft, it would rest for a couple of hours before heading back to Doha as flight QR947.

My flight summary 

Welcome back to Singapore! 

The familiar sight of the terminal 3 airside greeted me. 

Thanks for the ride, A7-ANA! 

This way to the arrival hall! For those travelling to this airport for the first time, please do not forget to fill in the online arrival form before you pass through immigration. You can do so about 72 hours before arrival. 

Here is the link to the website. 

After arrival, I went to sort out my stuff and once that was done, I went over to the viewing mall and I saw my ride was already preparing to push back. 

This is the Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport. 

Thanks for reading my last trip report of 2025! 

My ratings 

Airline Website/Mobile App: 3/5

Transit Experience (DOH): 4/5

Inflight Service: 4/5

Seat Comfort: 4/5

Inflight Entertainment: 5/5

Cabin Ambiance: 5/5

Cabin Condition: 5/5

Cleanliness: 5/5

InFlight Meal/Beverage: 4/5

Punctuality: 5/5

Overall Rating: 44/50

Percentage: 88%

Conclusion 

Flying in Qsuites is where I want to be especially on long haul flights but honestly speaking Qatar's economy class is not bad at all on both the A350-1000 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Only one outstanding flight out of the four and that goes to the first flight (SIN-DOH on the A350-900 in Qsuites), the service was top notch and certainly deserves its top airline recognition but for the other 3 flights, especially on the 2nd flight in J class, it was a bit of a disappointment after the treatment I received from the previous flight. 

The meals provided by the airline were pretty decent and I am satisfied with them and what is outstanding about my experience is the strong and impressive Starlink connection (complimentary for all) and the good inflight entertainment system especially with the exterior camera and that is something that is very much appreciated as I enjoy watching the take off and landing. The inflight service on the 3 flights are pretty average but I can't complain about them especially in the economy class as they were full and it's not easy managing a full flight but still I have seen other airlines providing top class service despite the challenge. 

Overall, I am happy with my Qatar experience especially in J Class, I got to experience both the Qsuites and the Super Diamond products. The economy class experience was pretty much standard, legroom space is at 31 inches which is slightly tight for a 192 cm tall passenger like myself. Between the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-9 experience, I prefer the A350-1000 for the slightly wider cabin and quieter cabin ambiance especially during take off but both are great aircraft to fly on and for flying in premium cabin, either aircraft is fine. 

All the flights departed and arrived ahead on time and for that I am greatly appreciated and I certainly recommend this airline if you don't mind the layover at Doha Airport. In regards to the best airport in the world, I still prefer Changi Airport and comparing the terminals at Singapore, I like Terminal 4 a lot due to the configuration (security after immigration) but the location is a disadvantage and I would explain why in one of my future trip reports. I will be visiting the 'Terminal 5 In The Making' exhibition soon and will share with you on my thoughts on this upcoming terminal. 

Thanks for reading and have a good one!

Charles Ryan

For my previous trip report (Part 1: Frankfurt to Doha, Qatar's Boeing 787-9 Y Class), click here

For my last post of the year for 2025 coming up next, my flight review for 2025, coming up next. 

That's the end of my 2025 Flying Adventures!