BUSINESS TRAVELLER ASIA MAGAZINE NAMES QATAR AIRWAYS ONCE MORE AS LEADING AIRLINE FOR AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
(Posted 13th September 2015)
The Business Traveller Asia / Pacific Awards last weekend in Hong Kong confirmed that Qatar Airways once again, for the sixth time running, has captured the coveted best airline award for Africa and the Middle East.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Mr. Akbar Al Baker said when learning about yet another trophy being prepared for the swelling cabinet in Doha: ‘We are very pleased to be voted Best Middle Eastern / African Airline once again. In the fiercely competitive airline industry, we are proud to continue setting benchmarks and to be able to retain the top position for the sixth successive year. We are delighted that our efforts have not gone unnoticed by our passengers, and we would like to thank them for their continued support. This award recognises Qatar Airways’ continued pursuit of success and is a testament to our focus on consistently delivering high quality travel experiences for all our passengers’.
Held at the Conrad Hotel in Hong Kong did the 24th Annual Business Traveller Awards handed awards to winning companies in more than 50 categories, giving recognition to the best in the hospitality and airline industry. Mr. Marwan Koleilat, Qatar Airways South East Asia South West Pacific Senior Vice President, was present to receive the award on behalf of the airline.
Mr. Koleilat said when accepting the award on behalf of Qatar Airways: ‘It is an honour to receive the award on behalf of Qatar Airways and also be among Asia’s best in the travel and hospitality industry. We have always strived to provide the best to our passengers and I am happy that our efforts are recognised. This award recognition strengthens our belief that we are on the right track, and are providing our passengers with a quality product that fits their needs. I would like to thank our passengers for their continuing loyalty and for all our staff who share our belief and have worked diligently to maintain the high standards that we are now renowned for’.
Qatar Airways this year scooped three of the top aviation honours at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards, including Airline of the Year – an accolade Qatar Airways has received for the third time running. The airline was also named Best Airline in the Middle East and voted Best Business Class Airline Seat by travellers around the world.
Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 18 years of operation and today flies a modern fleet of 166 aircraft to 152 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. This year alone had the airline added six new destinations to its global network including Amsterdam, Zanzibar, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Multan and Abha. Other new and exciting destinations for Asia-based passengers to look forward to include Durban (December 17th), Los Angeles (January 01st, 2016), Boston (March 16th, 2016) and Atlanta (June 01st, 2016).
In Eastern Africa does Qatar Airways serve Entebbe and Kigali daily, Nairobi double daily and additional flights go to Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, but not Mombasa where the Kenyan authorities continue to keep up the proverbial Berlin Wall up against Qatar Airways’ keen interest to fly to this port and tourism city.
