In addition to being voted ‘Best Airline’ by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline’ lounge.
Qatar Airways' home and hub, Hamad International Airport, was this year also rated five-star by Skytrax, one of only five in the world to be given this recognition.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker said, “For Qatar Airways to be named the ‘World’s Best Airline’ particularly at this critical point in time, is a significant testimony of our passengers’ belief and trust in our unwavering commitment to deliver only the best. This award is also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of every employee at Qatar Airways. Our recognition at Skytrax this year is especially important as these awards are voted by travellers. To them I offer my sincere thanks, and I look forward to welcoming them on board soon.”
With regard to the current flight ban affecting Qatar, al-Baker said, "At these difficult times of illegal bans on flights out of my country by big bullies, this is an award not to me, not to my airline, but to my country."
The global airline, which was last year voted as having the ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘Best Business Class Lounge’ and ‘Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East’, continues to exceed expectations with its global expansion strategy and product development, including the recent launch of its innovative and award-winning business class experience, Qsuite.
The first fully-fitted aircraft is being showcased at Paris Air Show before going into service this weekend on the London-Doha route.
The prestigious awards received in Paris marks yet another busy year for Qatar Airways as the airline looks ahead to no less than 24 new destinations to be launched, new aircraft deliveries, the rollout of the revolutionary Qsuite across the fleet and continued celebrations of the 20th year anniversary. Qatar Airways previously won the title of the ‘World’s Best Airline’ in 2011, 2012 and 2015.
One of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, Qatar Airways recently added Dublin to its global route network, soon to be followed by Nice, Skopje, and Chang Mai (Thailand).
The airline operates a modern fleet of 200 aircraft to a network of key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.
Al-Baker with the ‘Airline of the Year’ honour received by Qatar Airways at the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards in Paris
Qatar Airways has again been named as ‘Airline of the Year’ by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held at the Paris Air Show on Tuesday, the fourth time that the national carrier has been given this global recognition as the world’s best airline.
