Qatar Airways recently celebrated an important milestone in its history when it marked 25 years of service to the UK with a very special flight.
On 30 March 1997, Qatar Airways launched its Doha to London Heathrow service, using an A300-600R aircraft. 25 years on, Qatar Airways is now one of the world’s biggest airlines, operating 35 flights per week from Doha to London Heathrow, and more than 50 flights a week to the UK.
Passengers and aviation fans were taken down a nostalgic journey last week when the airline flew its retro livery Boeing 777-300 aircraft to commemorate that very first flight. Qatar Airways Flight 007 was welcomed into London Heathrow with a traditional water cannon salute and a special celebration event for passengers.
The airline marked this occasion with an in-flight food menu, designed to evoke traditional British flavours. The exclusive à la carte menu illustrated famous icons in the UK including Britain’s red telephone boxes.
Passengers seated in Premium Cabins were invited to dine from the exclusive 25 Years of Excellence in London à la carte menu featuring famous English dishes such as Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding, beef pie, fish and chips with mushy peas and strawberry trifle. Economy Class passengers were also treated to bespoke dishes prepared for London’s celebration featuring distinct British dishes like Shepherd’s pie, Sunday roast chicken, sausage rolls and trifle for dessert.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar Al Baker, said the anniversary is an important landmark in their history as they celebrate the anniversary of one of their longest serving and most popular routes. He said that the last 25 years has seen them grow from a small airline to one of the largest in the world.
Our airline itself celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and London was an important first step in our journey; it remains a cornerstone of our global network today. This milestone also showcases Qatar’s exceptional relationship with the UK, and we look forward to our next 25 years.
Heathrow Chief Executive Officer John Holland-Kaye congratulated Qatar Airways for ‘linking’ London and Doha through Heathrow for a quarter of a century. Heathrow is the UK’s only hub airport. By working together with partners like Qatar Airways, Holland-Kaye said they maintain and build on the UK’s vital connections to key cities around the world, for the benefit of passengers and businesses.
Surprise treats
Qatar Airways extended its celebrations in the Premium Cabin with surprise treats for passengers from UK’s most iconic department store, Harrods. Passengers received a Harrods’ All-Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Biscuits and Harrods’ London edition of Earl Grey Tea, in addition to a special Qatar Airways branded teddy bear.
To celebrate the anniversary, the airline has launched special fares offering up to 25% discount on flights from London Heathrow to selected destinations including the Maldives, Seychelles, Sydney and many more. Customers can book until 1 April using promo code LHR25.
The airline was established in 1997 by HH The Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who outlined a vision to turn Qatar Airways into a leading international carrier with the highest standards of service and excellence. Since then, the flag carrier has carried over 2.5 million passengers between London and Doha, shown thousands of different movies on board and been named Airline of the Year by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax a record six times..
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