Thousands of people watched in admiration as a Qatar Airways aircraft flew in formation over Doha with the world-famous Red Arrows aerobatic display team Saturday.

The event took place as the airline celebrates its 20th anniversary.
A Qatar Airways Airbus A350, for which the airline was the global launch customer, flew in formation with the British Royal Air Force’s (RAF) iconic Red Arrows. Their distinctive fleet of Hawk jets were on hand to display the speed, agility and precision of the RAF and fly in their trademark diamond nine formation to join in the salute to Qatar Airways and its 20 years of operations.
In a statement, the Doha-based carrier said the fly-by and special aerobatics display had been carefully planned in advance by Qatar Airways and the Red Arrows, working in partnership the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA). Also involved in the preparations were the Ministry of Defence, the Emiri Guard and Qatar Civil Defence representatives.
Qatar Airways’ flight operations experts produced a special flight plan that enabled one of the airline’s Airbus A350 aircraft, capable of carrying up to 283 passengers, to fly empty in close formation with the Red Arrows Hawk jets. Qatar Airways chief flight operations officer Captain Konstantinos was at the helm of the A350 to fly the aircraft throughout the display.
The event, hosted by British ambassador Ajay Sharma and Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker, was attended by HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi, chairman of QCAA Abdullah bin Nasser Turki al-Subaey and a number of ambassadors.
Many representatives of the Qatar British Business Association were also present to celebrate the occasion, which included a display over Doha’s Corniche from the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel, which offered ideal views of the fly-by.
On the occasion, al-Baker said: “It has been an honour to have one of Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350 aircraft join forces with the world-famous Red Arrows and take part in today’s historic fly-by over the impressive Doha skyline. The Red Arrows have helped Qatar Airways celebrate in style with a thrilling display to mark our 20th anniversary."
Ambassador Sharma added, “I am glad that the Red Arrows’ visit coincides with Qatar Airways’ 20th anniversary celebrations.”

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