ADVERTORIAL
Fast Growing, Flying High
Qatar Airways is one of the aviation industry's biggest success stories. Since its re-launch in 1997, Qatar Airways has achieved staggering growth in both fleet size and passenger numbers.
From only four aircraft in 1997, the airline fleet grew to 28 aircraft by the end of 2003 and a milestone 50 by October 2006. By 2013, the fleet size is expected to total 110 aircraft.
In the summer of 2007, Qatar Airways announced the single largest order for Airbus' new generation A350s, placing an order for 80 aircraft and three additional Airbus A380 super jumbos at the Paris Air Show. During the Dubai Air Show in November of last year, Qatar Airways ordered 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 32 Boeing B777s. Qatar Airways took delivery of its first Boeing aircraft – a Boeing 777-300 Extended Range – in November 2007, with a spectacular water salute ceremony at Doha International Airport.
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Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer |
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Qatar Airways was the launch customer of the HGW version of the A340-600 aircraft, capable of flying up to 14 hours non-stop with a full load of passengers and cargo. The new A340-600 is also equipped with showpiece features – dedicated First and Business Class lounges. The A340 operates on selected long-haul routes, including the Doha to London's Heathrow route.
The Qatar Airways family includes several different aircraft types – the long-range Boeing 777, Airbus A340, A330, A300, A300-600R freighter, A321, A320 and A319. The latter A319 includes a corporate jet version.
The Qatar Airways' crew was recognized in 2007 by Skytrax as Best in the Middle East for the fifth year running, as well as the Best Airline in the Middle East for the second year in a row and having the Best First Class in the world.
The Boeing 777 features the latest generation in-flight entertainment system onboard – the Panasonic eX2 – with more than 150 international movies, over 50 games, and hundreds of hours of video and audio programming to choose from.
Qatar Airways is one of the launch customers of the twin-deck Airbus A380-800 'super jumbo' – the world's biggest aircraft capable of carrying 555 passengers in a luxurious configuration. Qatar Airways has ordered five A380s with a delivery schedule beginning in 2010.
The A380 is the most advanced aircraft ever built, designed in close collaboration with major airlines, airports and airworthiness authorities worldwide.
In November of last year, Qatar Airways formally inaugurated its two new offices in Denpasar. The two offices are located in the Wisthi Sabha Building at the Ngurah Rai International Airport and just off the lobby of the Kartika Plaza Hotel in Kuta.
The opening of the Bali offices are another milestone in the airline's business in Indonesia, after it previously accelerated its plans to upgrade the aircraft on the Bali route from the Airbus A300 to the larger capacity Airbus A330-220 and Airbus A330-300 aircrafts in order to cope with the overwhelming number of passengers on the route.
www.qatarairways.com |
