The global reveal of the 787 by Qatar Airways, Boeing’s Middle East launch customer of the aircraft, will be a highlight at Farnborough with more than 120,000 visitors expected to flock to the week-long show.

Qatar Airways will have its 787 on static display at the event, which attracts over 1,400 exhibitors of aircraft, equipment and latest technologies across the commercial and defence aerospace industries.

The debut of the airline’s new 787 Dreamliner in Qatar Airways’ colours marks a significant milestone as the carrier makes its final preparations to officially receive and commercially introduce the first of 60 aircraft on order this year. Qatar Airways is due to take delivery of five 787s during 2012.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the airline’s prominent presence with the unveiling of the first Qatar Airways 787 Dreamliner at the largest global aviation event of its kind, signals the start of an exciting new chapter for travel in the Middle East and worldwide.

“For Qatar Airways, the Farnborough International Air Show provides the perfect opportunity and global platform to proudly reveal our new 787 to the aviation industry and the wider public for the first time.

“As the Middle East launch customer, we’re very excited that a new era of air travel with an unrivalled passenger experience is imminent, further proving Qatar Airways’ commitment to expand with one of the youngest and technically advanced fleets in the industry.”

The first-time presence of the Dreamliner at Farnborough follows on from the international debut of the airline’s 787 Business and Economy Class seats at ITB Berlin – the world’s largest travel fair – and at the Middle East travel show, Arabian Travel Market, over the past few months.

The seat design is revolutionary and the proprietary to Qatar Airways, which worked closely with the manufacturer to have custom-made seats fitted on the aircraft – with space and comfort the biggest features of both cabins.

The seat configuration onboard Qatar Airways’ Boeing 787 makes it an industry leader with innovative design a hallmark of the interiors. Business Class is configured 1–2–1 featuring seats that convert into fully flat horizontal beds, while Economy Class has a 3–3–3 cabin layout.

Key features include an award-winning iTouch touch control unit, over 1,000 movies, programming and audio entertainment options, an iPort, USB port, remote data outlet, a custom designed culinary offering, plenty of storage space for personal items and more – all available in both cabin classes.

Upon entering service, Qatar Airways’ first 787 will initially operate on intra-Gulf routes before making its maiden long-haul commercial flight between Doha and London Heathrow.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 109 aircraft from its Doha hub to 116 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.