Qatar Airways’ longest nonstop flight uses Airbus A350-1000 between Doha and Auckland

The airline’s staff policies have evolved over time. Initially strict regulations regarding cabin crew pregnancies or marriages were relaxed in August 2015 following criticism; now staff affected are redeployed to ground roles when possible.

Qatar Airways introduced the next-generation Airbus A350 XWB into its fleet in December 2014, debuting revenue flights from Doha to Frankfurt. Business class features fully flat beds arranged differently than larger aircraft; economy passengers have seat-back entertainment systems with touch screens and WiFi connectivity is expected on all A350s by late 2025.

The Doha–Auckland route covers about 9,011 miles (14,500 kilometers) and takes around 16 hours eastbound or more than 17 hours westbound. According to aviation analytics provider Cirium, approximately three flights per week use the A350-1000 on this sector out of daily scheduled services—the only direct connection from Qatar Airways to New Zealand at present.

Auckland International Airport serves as New Zealand’s main gateway for international traffic. Only Christchurch offers other year-round long-haul links within New Zealand aside from Auckland.

Qatar Airways also connects Doha with Los Angeles using the A350-1000—its second-longest route at roughly 8,301 miles (13,359 kilometers)—and San Francisco at about 8,084 miles (13,009 kilometers). Both US routes operate daily using this aircraft type but face competition from other Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates on similar corridors.

Currently operating a mixed fleet of over 230 commercial aircraft—including Airbus narrowbodies (A320 family), widebodies (A330/A350/A380), plus Boeing types such as the B737 MAX series and B777/B787 Dreamliners—Qatar Airways has more than 330 additional airplanes on order. This includes new-generation models set to modernize its offering further: Airbus A321neo/LR versions; extra Boeing B777X jets; additional Dreamliners; plus a significant cargo expansion centered around freighter variants like B777F/200LR/8F—with QR being launch customer for some future types.

The airline’s extensive history includes numerous retired models ranging from classic Boeings (727/737/747SP) to earlier Airbuses (A300/310/340). Today it operates as a full-service carrier under IATA code QR out of Hamad International Airport in Doha.