Paul Johannes,vice-president, Qatar Airways, collects the award for Best Premium Service Airport on behalf of the airline during the awards ceremony held in Geneva. Left: Kevork Deldelian with the award for Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East.

 

 

Qatar Airways has retained awards in two key categories at a ceremony held in Geneva, Switzerland, for the annual Skytrax World Airport Awards 2013.

For the third consecutive year, Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport (DIA) was named the world’s Best Premium Service Airport, recognised for its superior five-star service and customer care.

Qatar Airways-owned Oryx Rotana has also achieved a milestone, rising to be named among the top three airport hotels in the world after winning the Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East award for the second year running.

This year’s achievement moves the carrier’s five-star hotel at DIA from 10th to third in the Skytrax Airport Hotel global category.

Opened in 2006, Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal became the world’s first dedicated passenger terminal for first and business class travellers, establishing the airline as an industry innovator. Its facilities, including fine-dining, spa and business centre, make it a haven for transiting and departing premium travellers.

Since opening three years ago, the 400-room Oryx Rotana remains a favourite among business and leisure travellers arriving in Qatar.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar al-Baker said the company was yet again honoured to be recognised by Skytrax with two leading accolades. “These latest achievements are further testament to our excellent facilities and dedication of our staff to provide a high level of service that customers expect,” he added.

“The experience for any passenger starts at the airport. Our Premium Terminal has proved to be a real winner among our customers, being well ahead of our competitors’ facilities around the world. Being the first hotel in the Qatar Airways stable, Oryx Rotana has yet again shown a remarkable leap in global appeal, now ranked among the top three airport hotels in the world and the best in the Middle East,” al-Baker said.

Oryx Rotana general manager Kevork Deldelian, who received the hotel award in Geneva, said: “Since we opened three years ago, Oryx Rotana in Doha has continued to delight guests from around the world. We always strive to go out of our way to ensure that all our customers are comfortable and well looked after, and that they enjoy the Qatar Airways Group’s signature five-star service. To win the Skytrax award for the second year running is a great accomplishment.”

Congratulating Qatar Airways on the accolades, Skytrax chairman Edward Plaisted said: “Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal continues to be a great success with passengers from around the world and ensures that Doha retains its status as the world’s Best Premium Service Airport. This unique facility has provided passengers with unmatched levels of product and service quality and we congratulate both Qatar Airways and Doha International Airport for winning this prize for three consecutive years. In winning the region’s best airport hotel award, it also shows that the Qatar Airways Group is focused on all elements of customer service.”