For the second year in a row, Qatar Airways has been named ‘Best Business Class Airline’ at the Business Traveller Awards 2014 held in London recently.

The award follows major recognition in July, at the Farnborough Air Show, where Qatar Airways was again named Best Business Class Airline by Skytrax.

At the Business Traveller Awards 2014, Qatar Airways was also named as a finalist in several other categories – Best Airline, Best Long-Haul Airline, Best Economy Class, Best Middle Eastern Airline and Best Cabin Staff.

The Business Traveller Awards are voted for by readers of the magazine with the results authenticated by an independent auditing company and are widely recognised as the airline industry’s benchmark for excellence. Readers base their voting on the strength of the airline’s customer service, its route network and services.

In May, Qatar Airways launched the first all-business class service to operate between Doha and London Heathrow, with an A319 offering 40 bespoke seats. The successful daily service has proven increasingly popular with the UK business market and offers an additional private jet-like option, which will complement the existing five frequencies between the two cities,
according to a statement.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker said: “Winning this accolade for a second consecutive year is a testament to the five-star service and quality that our customers have come to expect from Qatar Airways. It is an honour to win this Business Traveller Award and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for us and who has travelled with us.

“The recent commencement of our first A380 on the London to Doha route will allow us to continue to redefine air travel while also offering luxury on the ground at our premium lounges at both the new Hamad International Airport in Doha with the Al Mourjan Business Lounge and at London Heathrow Terminal 4.”

Qatar Airways took delivery of its first A380 on September 17. The aircraft is the first of 13 on order and has commenced operations on the QR003 and QR004 London-Doha route.

The oneworld alliance, which Qatar Airways joined nearly one year ago, was also named Best Airline Alliance at the Awards.