Charting The Rise Of One Of The Fastest Growing Airlines In The World

Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar, is one of the aviation industry’s success stories. The award-winning airline is also one of the fastest growing carriers in the world with unprecedented expansion averaging double digit growth year on year that industry peers can only admire with envy. Since its relaunch in 1997, Qatar Airways has achieved staggering growth in destinations served, fleet size and passenger numbers. From its hub in Doha, capital of Qatar, the airline has developed a global network of destinations, covering Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, North America and Asia-Pacific.

By the beginning of 2005, Qatar Airways flew to 56 cities, rising to 92 by June 2010 with the launch of daily flights to Barcelona and its first foray into South America. During the first half of 2010, Qatar Airways launched flights to Bengalaru (Bangalore), Tokyo, Ankara, Copenhagen, Barcelona, the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo and the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires. Between October 2010 and January 2011, Qatar Airways embarks on yet further route expansion, introducing flights from its Doha hub to Phuket, Hanoi, Nice, Bucharest, Budapest and Brussels.

From only four aircraft in 1997, the airline grew to a fleet size of 28 aircraft by the end of 2003 and a milestone 50 by October 2006. Today, the airline operates over 80 aircraft. By 2013, the fleet size will rise to 120 aircraft. Qatar Airways currently has 200 new aircraft pending delivery in the next few years worth over US$40 billion. This includes an order for 24 Airbus A320 Family of aircraft signed at the Paris Air Show in June 2009.

Exclusive Premium Terminal

In line with the company’s philosophy to be innovative, the airline operates the world’s only dedicated commercial passenger terminal for its First and Business Class passengers at Doha International Airport. The US$90 million Premium Terminal, built in just nine months, opened in November 2006. It features facilities such as dedicated check-in for First and Business Class passengers, a spa, jacuzzi, duty free, business centre, fine dining restaurants and a cocktail bar.

Qatar Airways ‘Best Business Class in the World’

Qatar Airways ranked third best airline in the world in the annual 2010 Skytrax passenger survey, in which more than 18 million travellers were polled. The airline won several accolades including being named Best Business Class in the World. Already ranked Five Star for service excellence by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency confirmed Qatar Airways has the World’s Best Business Class catering, and is also overall Best Airline in the Middle East for the fifth year in a row.

Qatar Airways also became the first airline to receive the Staff Service Excellence Award for the Middle East. The new award replaces the Best Cabin Staff in the Middle East category, which Qatar Airways has won for the past seven years. The expanded category now includes airline staff at all passenger touch points, including onboard, reservations, check-in and airport personnel.