Digitally controlled dividers, 4K TVs and AI cabin crew: Qatar Airways’ recently unveiled Next Gen suites are taking business class flying to tech-fuelled new heights.

An upgrade from the current ‘Qsuites’, which are located in the middle aisle and feature sliding doors, the new companion suites enjoy window views, enhanced privacy and larger double beds.

Their 4K OLED manoeuvrable TV screens can be pushed flat to the sides to create a two or four-seat space so you can eat with your fellow passengers. There’s even ambient lighting to enhance the mood, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Unveiled at an international airshow in the UK last week, along with Sama – the world’s first ‘AI Digital Human’ cabin crew – the suites will be part of Qatar Airways Boeing B777-9 aircraft by 2025.

‘The future of business class travel’

Hailed as “the future of business class travel” at the launch by Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the airline is hoping the new suites will bolster its award-winning status.

Last month, Qatar Airways was named Airline of the Year 2024 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards – knocking Singapore Airlines off the top spot.

It was also crowned for having the World’s Best Business Class.

Key to its victories were its on-demand, a la carte dining for business class passengers, its modern entertainment systems and top notch service.

All of this is only set to get better, they say, with the larger dining spaces, taller, digitally controlled dividers, and a new ‘make my bed’ feature added to the turn-down service.

In Europe, Turkish Airlines won the Skytrax award for best business class airline.