A Guide to Qatar Airways

With the World Cup in Qatar well underway, you have probably seen plenty of adverts advertising Qatar Airways. Even before the tournament kicked off you may have been aware of middle-Eastern airline and its reputation for luxury.

But what is the story behind this airline and how did it rise from a regional carrier to one of the world’s best for long haul holidays? We thought we’d take a look…

The Beginning 

Qatar Airways’ story began in 1994 when the airline was established. It was launched with a fleet of just four aircraft, offering flights to 12 destinations. After only two years of operations, Qatar Airways had achieved profitability and become renowned for its exceptional service quality and excellent customer care.

In 1996, Qatari prince Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Thani became the airline’s chairman, and under his leadership, Qatar Airways grew rapidly. With a renewed focus on customer satisfaction, they were soon recognized as one of the top five airlines in terms of service quality.

Relaunch 

In 1997 the airline was relaunched by Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker and Qatar Airways joined the Oneworld alliance and began offering flights to some major international destinations such as London and New York. During this time, the airline also launched its frequent flyer program, Privilege Club, and began to offer other services such as online check-in and e-tickets. By 2011 the airline was serving 100 destinations worldwide.

Expansion

Since then, Qatar Airways has continued to expand its network of destinations, now offering flights to over 150 cities in 80 countries around the world. In 2017, Qatar Airways became the first Middle Eastern carrier to receive a 5-star rating from Skytrax. The airline is also one of the few that have achieved the highest safety ratings from both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and AirlineRatings.com.

Qatar Airways Today

Today, Qatar Airways continues to be recognized for its excellent service and commitment to customer satisfaction. With its modern fleet and extensive network of destinations, Qatar Airways offers travellers an exceptional flying experience.

In recent years, Qatar Airways has also made great strides in sustainability. The airline is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has implemented several green initiatives to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In 2020, Qatar Airways became the first airline in the world to achieve carbon-neutral growth for two consecutive years.

Qatar Airways has also been investing in new technology. The airline was an early adopter of self-service kiosks and they recently unveiled a new digital platform which offers travellers the option to securely purchase, manage, and receive their tickets electronically.

Awards 

Airline of The Year 2011, 2012, 2015 & 2017

Best Business Class in the World 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2017

Whether you need to book a business trip or plan a family holiday to Qatar or nearby places such as Dubai, Qatar Airways is the perfect choice for reliable and comfortable travel.

featured image credits:-Image by vwalakte on Freepik