Qatar Airways to launch First Class, as airline courts Airbus and Boeing for new planes

Qatar Airways is developing a First Class concept and pursuing aircraft orders from aviation giants Boeing and Airbus, as part of a broader strategic overhaul under new group CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer.

"This is a new era," Al Meer told CNBC on Thursday, unveiling changes at the airline that follow a multi-month "war room" review. Formerly the chief operating officer of Qatar's Hamad International Airport, Al Meer took over from long-time predecessor Akbar Al Baker as Qatar Airways CEO in November and seeks to refresh the airline's strategy and reset supplier relationships.

Al Meer confirmed to CNBC that Qatar Airways is now developing a high-yielding First Class concept for its cabins.

"We wanted to combine the experience of flying commercial and flying on a private jet and develop something new," he said. "We are 70% to 80% ready. We are only finalizing colors and small touches, but hopefully we will be able to announce it very soon."

First Class seating typically offers a more spacious, premium quality and higher cost experience aboard an aircraft. Some airlines have abandoned, reduced or rebranded First Class seats in a bid to maximize aircraft space and offer more economic seating for budget-conscious travelers.

Along with preparing its First Class proposal, Qatar Airways is redesigning its premium "Q-Suite" class of seats, and the latest offering is set to debut at the Farnborough International Airshow in July.

The Gulf carrier has also submitted a Request for Proposal to Boeing and Airbus for a "big" new aircraft order, Al Meer said.

"We released an RFP to create some competition between both suppliers," he noted, without disclosing specifics. "We will go through the process, and, with an order this big, we need to