Qatar Airways Announced As The Airline Of the Year

Qatar Airways has been announced as the ‘Airline of the Year by the international air transport rating organization, Skytrax for its continued excellence in operations and service delivery during normal times and in challenging times.

The airline was recognized for innovation and excellence, resilience during the pandemic, and for having a strong commitment to passengers during challenging times.

Known as the Oscars of the Aviation Industry, the 2021 Skytrax awards covered the period from September 2019 to July 2021 with the results reflecting a mix of more normal travel times combined with travel during the pandemic.

The extended period clearly demonstrated the resilience and flexibility of Qatar Airways, as it not only delivered continued excellence during normal times, but steadfastly continued flights and offered a lifeline to its customers across the globe during the most challenging of times.

Qatar Airways also became the first global airline to receive the Skytrax COVID-19 Safety Rating in January 2021 while its home and hub, Hamad International Airport, was recently voted the World’s Best Airport 2021 in August.

In addition to winning the main prize, the Airline also secured five other awards including World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge, World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat, World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering, and Best Airline in the Middle East.

The airline also received recognition for its luxurious Al Mourjan Lounge, a calming oasis for travellers, which was voted the World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge.

Meanwhile the patented Qsuite remains the clear leader in business class luxury having being named as the World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat, with the premium cabin being voted World’s Best Business Class for the fifth year in succession.

Qatar Airways has placed even greater emphasis on the passenger experience and biosafety during the pandemic to enhance service levels and provide reassurance to travelers.

The consistent pursuit of innovation was reflected by the introduction of a new Business Class Suite on the Boeing 787-9 fleet,  UV cleaning between flights, and touch-free inflight entertainment technology while industry-leading flexible rebooking options demonstrated the airline’s commitment to going above and beyond at every opportunity.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Being recognized as the World’s Best Airline for the sixth time is an incredible achievement for our airline and I want to thank our loyal passengers for this award.”

“As Chair of Oneworld, I would also like to congratulate the alliance on receiving the coveted 2021 award for Best Airline Alliance for its commitment to providing the highest level of service and convenience to frequent international travelers.”

Skytrax Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Edward Plaisted, said: “To be named as the World’s Best Airline is a great recognition of Qatar Airways high standards, and to win this highest accolade for a sixth time is a remarkable achievement. We congratulate them on this unique success. Voted by customers, the focus of our annual survey is for travelers to make their own, personal choices as to which airline they consider to be best, and it is clear that Qatar Airways has maintained its high standards of innovation and service standards, both in more normal times and through the current global pandemic.”