Qatar Airways has selected Frankfurt as the initial destination for its Airbus A350, the first delivery of which it expects by the end of this year.
The Oneworld member airline had previously pointed to New York as a potential candidate for the inaugural route but subsequently backed away from a clear indication.
But it has confirmed that the German hub will be the first connection for A350 services from Doha, beginning in January next year.
The aircraft will be configured with 283 seats in two classes, including 36 in business.
Qatar Airways says the flights will be daily, non-stop services. The Frankfurt link will be opened following "several weeks of induction preparation" after the aircraft is delivered, it adds.
It says it has selected Frankfurt as the first destination in light of the "significant capacity the aircraft provides for the comfort of its business and leisure travellers".
Qatar Airways operates twice-daily on the route, as QR67 and QR69, and intends to switch both links to A350s. The carrier currently uses various types on the route including Airbus A330s, Boeing 787s and 777s.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
