Qatar Airways, the award winning national airline of the State of Qatar, is one of the aviation industry's success stories. As one of the fastest growing carriers in the world, with unprecedented expansion averaging 35% year on year, Qatar Airways has achieved staggering growth in fleet size and passenger numbers.
Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, the airline has grown into an award-winning carrier and one of only a handful of airlines to be given a Five Star ranking by Skytrax for service and excellence, the independent aviation industry research company.
From only four aircraft in 1997, the airline now operates a fleet of 64 aircraft. This figure is set to almost double to 110 aircraft by 2013 with more than 200 aircraft worth around US$40 billion on order, including 80 Airbus' new-generation A350s, five twin-deck A380s, six Airbus A321 aircraft, 60 Boeing new 787 Dreamliners and 32 Boeing B777s.
On the ground in Doha, a new international airport is also just two years away from completion and is the first in the world to be built specifically to cater for the A380.
The UK is a flagship destination for Qatar Airways, which now operates 42 flights a week from three British airports to Doha, connecting to destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America including Guangzhou in China, Kozhikode in India and New York JFK, all of which launched in 2008.
Following the introduction of an additional daily flight from London Heathrow in March, Qatar Airways now provides:-
- Four daily flights from London Heathrow
- Daily service from London Gatwick
- Daily service from Manchester
Business passengers travelling from the UK to Doha benefit from the highest levels of in-flight service and cutting edge technology on-board Qatar Airways A340-600 HGW and A330-300 aircraft.
A three-class configuration offers passengers in all cabins access to the airline's fully interactive in-flight entertainment system offering a multitude of seatback audio and video options to choose from. Furthermore, there is a live satellite television option enabling passengers to choose from a variety of live TV programming.
Qatar Airways Premium Class passengers also benefit from First Class seats that convert into 180-degree fully flat beds and Business Class seats-cum-beds that recline 160 degrees. Award-winning wines and a gourmet a la carte menu in First Class and Business Class is served by the ‘Best Cabin Crew in the Middle East' as voted, for the sixth year running, by Skytrax.
Qatar Airways First and Business Class Passengers transiting through or departing from Doha, also have access to the world's first Premium Terminal with facilities including dedicated First and Business Class lounges with their own dining areas; Business Centre with secretarial services, free internet and Conference Rooms and Spa, Jacuzzi, sauna and massage service for First Class passengers.
The Qatar Airways Privilege Club offers frequent flyers more benefits than ever before, website www.qmiles.com. With three tiers of membership, Burgundy, Silver and Gold, the Privilege Club's benefits, depending on tier, include: additional baggage allowance, opportunity to nominate up to nine members of your family for Privilege Club cards, check in at First or Business Class desks, opportunity to earn extra Qmiles, use of the Qatar Airways lounges and a meet and greet service in Doha.
Reservations: 0870 389 8090 For further UK press information contact Gail Palmer / Louise Ferrall at KTA PR 020 7352 1088 or gail@ktapr.com / louise@ktapr.comwww.qatarairways.com/uk