Qatar Airways, one of aviation industry’s big success stories, in 2017 celebrates 20 years in the sky. The airline operations began in 1994 when the airline was a small regional carrier serving only a handful of routes, and was re-launched in 1997 under the mandate of The Father Emir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He envisioned turning the country’s national carrier into a top international airline with the highest standards of service and excellence.

Since then, Qatar Airways has become one of the fastest growing carriers in the history of aviation with unprecedented expansion averaging double digit growth year on year. Today the airline has matured into a leading force in regional and global aviation and is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world.

This year alone, the national carrier has received more than 50 individual awards across multiple categories, demonstrating its continued commitment to exceeding passenger expectations with its innovative approach to product development and dedication to customer experience.

CAPA 2017 awardAt a time when many airlines are scaling back and during a particularly challenging year, Qatar Airways continues to thrive, showcasing its best-in-class cabins, crew, catering, in-flight entertainment, on-board magazine, lounges and more. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker also received the ‘Aviation Executive of the Year’ award from industry body CAPA last month, highlighting his leadership and innovative direction in guiding the growth of the airline and the wider aviation industry as a whole.

QR Awards 1Leading the host of awards received by the airline this year is the prestigious accolade of 2017 ‘Airline of the Year,’ awarded by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. Known as ‘the Oscars of the aviation industry,’ Qatar Airways was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class,’ ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’ at the Skytrax awards ceremony held in Paris last June.

Al Baker said that the many awards Qatar Airways has received this year stand as a firm recognition of their commitment to passengers, to constantly innovate in order to deliver the finest experience available, both in the skies and on the ground.

At a time when international aviation is under greater scrutiny than ever, I am very proud that Qatar Airways continues to stand head and shoulders above its competitors. We celebrate our 20th anniversary as an airline this year, and these awards prove we will not rest on our laurels. We will continue to push industry standards to new levels, and to bring passengers an unsurpassed product that will delight and amaze them each and every time they fly.’

Qatar Airways was also recognised for its launch of Qsuite, the airline’s revolutionary new ‘First in Business Class’ product, receiving the ‘Best Airline Innovation of the Year’ award at the 2017 ULTRAS (Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards) in London.

Qatar Airways was also voted ‘Best Airline’ at the 2017 Business Traveller Awards held in London, where it won a raft of other major awards, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘Best Business Class’ and ‘Best Long Haul Airline’.

Qatar Airways AwardsAdditionally, the carrier was awarded ‘Best Cabin Service’ and ‘Best Food and Beverage’ at the 2017 APEX Passenger Choice Awards held during this year’s annual APEX Expo in Las Vegas. The airline also received the evening’s highest ranking as a five-star airline from more than half a million passengers who took part in the Expo.

Qatar Airways also took home four wins at this year’s TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards. The airline’s new range of on-board products won the awards for ‘First Class Female Amenity Kit’, ‘Business Class Middle East Amenity Kit’, ‘Children’s Goody Bag’ (over six years old) and ‘Sleeper Suit/Pyjamas’ as the prestigious industry event.

Qatar Airways’ in-flight magazine, Oryx, also won the ‘Custom Redesign of the Year’ award at Folio magazine’s Eddie & Ozzie Awards, a ceremony which recognises excellence in editorial content and design across the magazine industry. Oryx magazine is read by more than 30 million people annually and is available on board all Qatar Airways aircraft. It can also be accessed online and through the Oryx One app.

Qatar Airways Cargo was named the ‘Global Cargo Airline of the Year’ at the Air Cargo Africa 2017 Awards held earlier this year. Additionally, the cargo carrier was named ‘Overall Carrier of the Year’ at the highly anticipated Payload Asia Awards ceremony in Singapore in October, and ‘Best Cargo Airline in Customer Services’ at the Cargo India Awards held in Ahmedabad, India.

QR Awards

The first aircraft fully-fitted with Qsuite was launched on the Doha-London route this summer, soon followed by Paris and shortly to feature on the airline’s flights to New York and Washington. Qsuite is already fast collecting awards for offering the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors allow colleagues, friends or families travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialise together.

QR awardsThe latest accolades given the country’s national carrier is from the US-based Global Traveler Tested Reader Survey Awards. The airline received three awards from one of the most respected in the business travel industry: ‘Best Airline for International First Class,’ ‘Best First-Class Seat Design,’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. Qatar Airways was honoured at a private Gala Event at The Peninsula Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, recently.

For more information about the services on offer at Qatar Airways, visit their website at qatarairways.com.