SKYTRAX HANDS QATAR AIRWAYS ‘WORLD’S BEST AIRLINE‘ TROPHY FOR THE FOURTH TIME
(Posted 21st June 2017)
It must have come as an utter shock to the airlines of fellow GCC member states, which have blocked Qatar Airways’s access to their airspaces over a political row and perhaps outright envy of the success of QR, when Skytrax, the world’s most respected airline rating and ranking system, named Qatar Airways as the best airline for the fourth time.
This reflects the votes of passengers who have opted to stick by what they think is the world’s best airline and were not afraid to cast their votes accordingly in the face of the airline’s rivals in the Gulf area who have since the airspace closures tried to cash in and de-campaign Qatar Airways, but without success.
Qatar Airways also bagged the award for the world’s best First Class Lounge, Best Airline in the Middle East and the Best Business Class.
The award ceremony was held yesterday evening in Paris alongside the Paris Air Show during which Qatar Airways’ home hub airport, Hamad International, was also handed a five star rating again – and only four other airports around the world made it to the pinnacle.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Mr. Akbar Al Baker, proudly said on the occasion: ‘For Qatar Airways to be named the World’s Best Airline particularly at this critical point in time, is a significant testimony of our passengers’ belief and trust in our unwavering commitment to deliver only the best. This award is also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of every employee at Qatar Airways. Our recognition at Skytrax this year is especially important as these awards are voted by travellers. To them I offer my sincere thanks, and I look forward to welcoming them on board soon‘.
Commenting in regards to the current flight ban affecting the state of Qatar Mr. Al Baker added: ‘At these difficult times of illegal bans on flights out of my country by big bullies, this is an award not to me, not to my airline, but to my country‘.
The global airline, which was last year voted as having the World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East, continues to exceed expectations with its global expansion strategy and product development, including the recent launch of its new, innovative and award-winning Business Class experience, Qsuite. The first fully fitted aircraft is being showcased at Paris Air Show before going into service this weekend on the London-Doha route.
Qatar Airways’ patented new seat design has itself already gained industry attention after receiving the Best Airline Innovation of the Year award at the 2017 ULTRAS (Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards) for its launch of Qsuite. The prestigious award was presented at a ceremony at The Savoy hotel in London, attended by Sarah, Duchess of York and HRH Princess Eugenie of York, along with industry experts and VIPs. The win was significant in that the award was given before the seat has even commenced service, such is the anticipated impact of the design on the premium travel industry.
Qsuite, patented by Qatar Airways, features the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the centre four seats allows colleagues, friends or families travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialise together. These new features provide the ultimate customisable travel experience that enables passengers to create an environment that suits their own unique needs.
The prestigious awards received in Paris today mark yet another busy year for Qatar Airways as the airline looks ahead to no less than 24 new destinations to be launched, new aircraft deliveries, the roll-out of the revolutionary Qsuite across the fleet and continued celebrations of the 20th year anniversary. Qatar Airways previously won the title of the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012 and 2015.
One of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, Qatar Airways recently added Dublin, Republic of Ireland, to its global route network, soon to be followed by Nice, France; Skopje, Republic of Macedonia and Chang Mai, Thailand. The airline operates a modern fleet of 200 aircraft to a network of key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.
In Eastern Africa does Qatar Airways serve Entebbe in conjunction with Kigali on a daily basis but also flies to Nairobi – plans have been announced to add Mombasa from next year too – Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
