History

Qatar Airways began with a single leased aircraft in 1993 and in less than two decades have expanded services to all continents and become one of the world’s most acclaimed airlines. The company was launched as a discount carrier primarily targeting Qatar based guest workers from the Indian subcontinent but discarded that business plan and replaced it with a far more ambitious model as a full service global carrier equalled to the best. The airline has experienced 30% growth in passenger numbers annually as extra routes are added and customers are poached from less memorable airlines. Qatar Airways have a modern fleet of Airbus and Boeings with an average age of just over four years. Qatar Airways exclusively offer international services from Doha International Airport. A futuristic new airport complete with 5-star hotel, luxury lounges and state of the art facilities will be ready for the airline to move to in 2012.

On-Board Service

Qatar Airways crew their flights with young, attractive, multi-national, multi-lingual beautifully attired professionals who have impeccable manners and a personality to match. Service is excellent, staff are diligent and attention to passengers demands, is perfect. Qatar Airways crew are visible throughout the flight and on longer routes will regularly circulate the cabin with water instead of disappearing to the galley to gossip. Crews are proud to be working for such a prestigious airline.

Network

The expansion of Qatar Airways network has been rapid and many cities are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the carrier to provide improved options. The airline serves Europe and Asia more comprehensively than most European and Asian carriers and they also offer flights further afield like the US, South America and Australia. Their African and Middle Eastern network also incorporates most of the regions popular destinations. Each year the airline adds many new cities to their network; their expansion limited to new aircraft arrival.

Price

Firstly Qatar Airways is an award winning carrier that both promises and delivers a wonderful flying experience. Secondly, they manage to offer superior service at a highly competitive price. While the airline cannot compete with the real no-frills carriers and doesn’t bother to try to, it usually matches the prices of more staid legacy airlines like British Airways and Thai. It’s not always true ‘you get what you pay for’ as on Qatar Airways you often get more than you pay for. If you want a good trip more than simply getting from A to B, then Qatar Airways is excellent value.

Catering

While legacy airlines in the US, Europe, Australia and Asia typically view catering as a service to be slashed, Qatar Airways have gone in the other direction and lavish passengers in all classes with some of the best dining in the sky. First Class passengers are awed by the presentation of their beautifully prepared generously portioned 10- course gourmet selections as are Business Class passengers with their six course banquet. Economy passengers are equally impressed with their large and frequent meals. Qatar Airways passengers are served an impressive international selection of wines and beverages that compliment meals perfectly. No plastic cutlery are served to passengers even in Economy and premium passengers are treated to the finest china and sparkling crystal.

Entertainment

Not surprisingly Qatar Airways offer one of the best entertainment choices in the sky with individual seat back video on demand entertainment units for all passengers in all classes. Passengers can choose from hundreds of hours of recent releases, Hollywood classics, Bollywood, Arabic films and TV shows as well as games, information and music videos. As well as video, there are dozens of audio channels to pick from, which mean even the longest flights are transformed into a trip to the theatre. TV screens in Economy are larger than some other airlines in Business!

Ground Service and baggage

Awful check-in experiences are often the weak link in travel but Qatar Airways have done everything possible to make the ground experience match the airborne. Globally Qatar Airways check-in counters are attractively appointed and staffed generously to alleviate delays, even for Economy. Baggage is handled with responsibility and transiting passengers through Doha can relax in the knowledge mishandled baggage is rare and the best systems are in place. Arriving passengers of all classes can utilise a concierge service and relax in Doha’s Al Maha Lounge while passports and visas are processed by a staff member. They’ll even help you will your bags.

Premium Classes & Lounges

Qatar Airway’s First and Business Classes are simply airborne luxury. The cabins are pleasantly appointed and the airline has gone for a totally ‘international’ feel with a minimal trace of Arabic influence in the designs. Seats are spacious with flat beds, work units for laptops and huge individual TV monitors. Passengers are treated to pre-take-off luxury with Qatar Airways lounges which are sophisticatedly designed, quiet and seldom crowded. The airline also provides a BMW limousine service for those who want to arrive and depart in style as well.

Economy Class

From the first flight Economy passengers are usually converted to Qatar Airways. The Economy cabin is relaxingly designed, relatively spacious and the new aircraft are immaculately spotless with crew that match. The ticket price includes excellent meals, all passengers; including Economy benefit from the airlines punctuality and the excellence of the entertainment service mean long flights are seldom boring. Passengers can relax to know their baggage arrives with them upon arrival. If the ticket cost more it’s because it’s worth it.

Frequent Flyer Programme

You would generally need to plan a lot of trips to make joining Qatar Airway’s Privilege Club a worthwhile endeavour. Like all frequent flyer schemes, points, which Qatar Airways call QMiles are practically worthless. Being an entry member essentially has no benefit but once you rise to a higher membership tier, the benefits of free flights and upgrades begin. While many airlines, like Qantas and Delta typically charge members for their ‘free’ flights, a free flight on Qatar Airways is indeed free. Privilege Club members can also earn QMiles on several partner airlines including United, ANA, Lufthansa, BMI, Asiana and several others.

Corporate Culture

The oil rich Emirate of Qatar allows employers the freedom to operate their business without the involvement of unions and many employment practices that restrict other carriers do not apply to Qatar Airways. As a result the airline is able to employ young attractive staff on shorter contracts and they can be open about it, while other airlines like Virgin Atlantic need to hide the fact they only want young staff. The airline is well run by experts who seem to have more ethics than many of their colleagues. While Lufthansa, KLM, JAL, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and other legacy airlines have been involved in recent cases where they deliberately operated outside the law, Qatar Airways have not been involved in similar scandals.

Safety

Qatar Airways operate a young fleet comprising of the best Airbus and Boeing aircraft and are yet to experience any incident of their making. Engineering facilities at Doha are world leading and the airline cuts no corners when it comes to safety. Qatar Airways is the world pioneer of Gas-to-Liquid synthetic fuel but this environmental measure is yet to be perfected profitably. Safety issues over its use have proven to be unfounded.

Qatar Airways - Rating

One of the world’s fastest growing airlines winning customers with superior service and great value.

www.qatarairways.com