“World’s 5-star airline”
Skytrax rating: 5 stars
Star Alliance member
Operations
Globally (based in Doha, Qatar)
- 100 destinations
- More routes in 2012
South Africa
- Direct and connecting flights (some routed via Qatar)
General
Qatar Airways is the national carrier of the state of Qatar, and is owned by the Qatari government, making it a nationalized airline. It is in competition with Etihad Airways as the fastest growing airline in the world and in addition to its expansion it also has an excellent industry stature. It is one of the seven Skytrax 5-star airlines in the world and was awarded the “Airline of the Year” title for 2011.
Qatar Airways has several divisions, such as:
- Doha International Airport – where the airline is based
- Qatar Airways Holidays
- Qatar Aviation Services
- Qatar Executive – corporate jet airline
- Qatar Airways Cargo
Qatar Airways plane. Note the trademark head of the Oryx (a type of buck) on the tailfin.
Qatar Airways operates a fleet of about 100 aircraft, but at present the airline has over 100 Airbus aircraft on order. As well as 30 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. This expansion of the fleet represents a massive investment at a time when global economic conditions are somewhat recessionary and other airlines may be looking more to cost-cutting measures and reduction of route coverage. Qatar Airways seems to be on the way to establishing itself as a major global player in the air travel industry. If the trend of expansion continues, there may be substantial shifts in market share and traditional passenger loyalty in the next decade or so, especially because Qatar Airways offers such a high-quality product.
Qatar Airways offers three cabin classes – First, Business and Economy. First Class seats come with more than 6.5 feet (about 2m) of legroom and fold out into horizontal beds which have a massage feature. However, in future First Class will only be available on the Airbus 380 aircraft. A new Business Class setup is being phased in in 2011. Economy class passengers have as much as 34 inches of seat pitch (distance between successive seats) which is more than many other airlines. All the cabin classes have electronic entertainment. Qatar Airways has a reputation for excellent cabin service and employs crew with 120 different nationalities.
Established in 1993, Qatar Airways has never had an accident.
