just a joke Halawala. Don't mess with Qatar Airlines' passengers.

:deadthrea

cant beleve no one posted this qatar airways a380 pic

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/3694/733qatar210603fc4.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2369/qatar2yq9.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/4231/jmnhygtbfrfdwssrftghtwz8.jpg

hurtful incdent
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/6347/crash3lv6.png

i wonder why no reply on the pic

Qatar Airways Announces Resumption Of Flights To Beirut

Scheduled Services To Lebanese Capital Begin On September 4


Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways has announced today that it will resume non-stop daily commercial operations to Beirut, after the request was approved by the Lebanese authorities.

The first flight QR422 will take off from Doha International Airport tomorrow (September 4) at 1230 hrs, arriving in Beirut at 1535 hrs. The return flight QR423 will leave Beirut 1635 hrs, arriving in Doha at 1925 hrs.

Qatar Airways is the first airline to receive permission to restart scheduled services to the war-ravaged country since the signing of a ceasefire agreement on August 14.

Passengers travelling to Beirut, can take the non-stop flights, which will also help in the movement of humanitarian cargo to Lebanon.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “This is great news for the people of Lebanon, not only can we start to repatriate citizens, but we can also lend our support in terms of aid shipments to the country. Lebanese nationals are only too keen to return home, to start the rebuilding of their beautiful country.”

During the war, Qatar Airways continued to operate a series of extra flights to neighbouring Syria. The airline operated the extra flights in addition to the scheduled daily service between Doha and the Syrian capital, Damascus. From July 13 to August 15, Qatar Airways carried more than 13,000 passengers from Damascus to Doha.

Qatar Airways operates a fleet of 48 aircraft to 70 online destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Far East and Indian subcontinent from Doha, its hub and capital of the State of Qatar. Together with codeshare partners, Qatar Airways serves more than 90 cities worldwide.

Qatar Airways is one of only four airlines in the world with a Five Star ranking for service excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency.

Skytrax also named Qatar Airways’ cabin crew best in the Middle East for the fourth year running in 2006 and second best in the world, while the airline’s global rankings rose to an admirable fifth best. Qatar Airways plans to more than double its fleet size to 110 aircraft by 2015.

World’s longest aircraft joins QA fleet

QATAR Airways has become the launch customer of Airbus A340-600 High Gross Weight (HGW) version of the world’s longest passenger jet. The 266-seat aircraft in a three-class configuration, which is capable of flying non-stop between Doha and the US east coast with a full load of passengers and cargo, was given a fireman’s salute welcome yesterday at Doha International Airport following a flight from Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse.

The A340-600 is the world’s longest passenger jet with an overall fuselage length of 75m.

Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar al-Baker, chairman of Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority and the New Doha International Airport Steering Committee, Abdulaziz al-Noaimi, and Col Nasser Al-Malki, director of the airport’s Passports and Security Department, were among those who received the aircraft at the airport.

The aircraft’s arrival also marked another first for Qatar Airways as the airline displayed its new livery. The livery change is Qatar Airways’ first since its relaunch in 1997. The revamped livery will gradually be introduced as new aircraft join Qatar Airways’ expanding fleet, while existing planes will be repainted progressively over time.

Speaking to reporters on board the new aircraft, al-Baker said Airbus A340-600 High Gross Weight aircraft has a three-class cabin layout with innovative onboard features such as dedicated first and business class lounges for passengers travelling in the premium cabins to unwind and relax.

Another unique feature is live television programme with Qatar Airways becoming the first international airline to provide passengers with live streaming of a number of channels direct to their seatback TV systems.

The enhancements, he said, were part of an ongoing product revamp that began last autumn with the roll-out of a new style of onboard service across the airline’s premium cabins on long-haul flights.

The new A340-600 features eight first class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, 42 business class seats in a 2-2-2 layout and 216 economy seats configured 2-4-2.

Al Baker said: "Today marks another historic day for Qatar Airways. Once again, we are witnessing further milestones with the arrival of our first Airbus A340-600."

Passengers flying in the premium cabin of the A340-600 (HGW) aircraft will have a dedicated onboard first class lounge allowing them to relax and eat in a special area. Epitomising luxury and innovation, the new first class lounge promises to be one of the best in the air when it takes to the skies this summer.

The lounge features a stand-up bar with drinks rack and spotlight mood lighting. It also features cream leather sofas that can seat up to six passengers. Lampshades are positioned on two teak wooden tables, while a special additional aspect is electronically-operated window shades.

The general ambience of the lounge is one of comfort and relaxation with Qatar Airways’ strong burgundy corporate colours very evident in the curtains, carpets and furniture.

Al-Baker described the revolutionary changes as a "giant step forward" for the airline as it enters the next generation of air travel.

"Our new first class lounge onboard our A340-600 aircraft reflects the importance we pay to our premium class passengers who are looking for that little more attention, privacy and comfort.

"We cannot rest on our laurels. That is why we are taking significant steps forward in both our image and product offering.

"The A340 is our first four-engined aircraft, we are the first Middle East airline to offer passengers dedicated onboard first and business class lounges. We are the world’s first customer of this type of aircraft capable of flying with a full load of passengers and cargo for up to 14 hours non-stop.

"We look forward to seeing passengers experience our award-winning five star service and comfort on this wonderful aircraft, which will be used on a number of long-haul routes from Doha such as London Heathrow, Osaka and the US east coast."

Al-Baker revealed Qatar Airways had ordered 10 A340-600s for deliveries beginning this summer and spread over a two-year period.

I can not believe we can finally fly to NYC non stop from Doha

I heard it will start later this year.

^^I read that too

أعلنت الخطوط الجوية القطرية أمس عن عزمها توسيع شبكة خطوطها للقارة الإفريقية وذلك بتسيير رحلات جديدة إلى تنزانيا في التاسع من يناير من العام القادم.
وستسيّر الخطوط الجوية القطرية أربع رحلات أسبوعياً من الدوحة إلى العاصمة التنزانية- دار السلام. وستشغل القطرية لهذه الرحلات طائرة إيرباص من طرازA319 التي تضم مقصورتي درجة الاعمال وفيها 8 مقاعد والدرجة السياحية وفيها 102 مقعد.

وتعد دار السلام أكبر مدن تنزانيا، بالإضافة إلى كونها العاصمة السياسية والاقتصادية لها. وقد تطورت هذه المدينة في أهميتها الاقتصادية لتصبح المرفأ التجاري الرئيسي في تنزانيا ومركزاً مزدهراً لإقليم شرق إفريقيا بأكمله. ومع انضمام دار السلام إلى شبكة الخطوط الجوية القطرية، يرتفع عدد المحطات التي تخدمها القطرية إلى 71 محطة في كل من أوروبا والشرق الأوسط وإفريقيا وشبه القارة الهندية والشرق الأقصى.

وتتمتع تنزانيا- الواقعة على الساحل الشرقي لإفريقيا - بطبيعة خلابة ومناظر ساحرة مثل قمم جبال كالىمنجارو المكسوة بالثلوج وشواطئ زنجبار المفعمة بالدفئ وقطعان الماشية على سهول سيرينجيتي وبركان أول دونيو لينجاي النشط في وادي ريفت مما يجعلها بلداً جذاباً للسياح. كما يمكن لهواة الغطس من السياح الاستمتاع بجمال الشعب المرجانية على شواطئ تنزانيا والتنزه في حدائقها الوطنية وتسلق جبالها، وبالإضافة إلى طبيعتها الأخاذة، يوجد في دار السلام العديد من المعالم التاريخية والمعمارية التي تحكي عن ماضيها في زمن الاستعمار.

وعبر السيد أكبر الباكر، الرئيس التنفيذي للخطوط الجوية القطرية، عن سعادته لانضمام دار السلام إلى شبكة الخطوط الجوية القطرية التي تنمو بشكل متسارع على المستوى العالمي.
وقال الباكر «نحن نتوقع أن تحظى دار السلام بإقبال كبير من قبل السياح حول العالم ويسرنا أننا استطعنا إضافتها إلى شبكة أسطولنا بعد أشهر من التخطيط لذلك».
وأضاف الباكر «سنوفر لمسافرينا من محطاتنا الرئيسية في أوروبا والشرق الأوسط وآسيا ربطاً مناسباً من وإلى دار السلام عبر الدوحة. كما نتطلع إلى الترحيب بالمسافرين على متن الخطوط الجوية القطرية للاستمتاع شخصياً بكرم ضيافتنا وخدماتنا الحائزة الخمس نجوم».

وأضاف الباكر «تسعى الخطوط الجوية القطرية دوماً لتشغيل خطوط إلى المناطق المهمة استراتيجياً لأغراض التجارة أو الترفيه أو الإثنين معاً. ونحن واثقون جداً من نجاح خط دار السلام حيث أظهرت تحليلاتنا وأبحاثنا أن هذه الوجهة الجديدة ستحقق نجاحاً جديداًً للخطوط الجوية القطرية».

وتخدم الخطوط الجوية القطرية العديد من الوجهات في القارة الافريقية مثل الدار البيضاء، والجزائر، وتونس، وطرابلس، والخرطوم، والقاهرة، والاسكندرية، والأقصر وكيب تاون وجوهانسبرغ ونيروبي.
ويأتي تشغيل خط دار السلام بعد أسابيع قليلة فقط من استضافة دولة قطر للألعاب الآسيوية الخامسة عشرة- الحدث الرياضي الأكبر على مستوى الدولة. وتعد الخطوط الجوية القطرية الناقل الرسمي للألعاب الآسيوية وتتطلع للترحيب بالزوار من جميع أنحاء العالم ليتمتعوا على مدار أسبوعين بالفعالىات المثيرة لهذا الحدث.

وأكد الاستطلاع الاخير الذي شارك فيه حوالى 14 مليون مسافر على تقدم القطرية نحو المرتبة السادسة عالمياً بعد أن كانت في المرتبة الثامنة في العام السابق. كما أكد المشاركون في الاستطلاع على تصنيف سكاي تراكس للخطوط الجوية القطرية بـ «خمس نجوم» على مستوى جودة الخدمات للسنة الثالثة على التوالى، وهو التصنيف الذي تنفرد به القطرية على مستوى الشرق الأوسط ولاتحظى به الى جانب القطرية سوى ثلاث شركات عالمية.

يضم أسطول الخطوط الجوية القطرية حالىاً 49 طائرة من أحدث طائرات الايرباص، ومن شأن هذا الأسطول أن يتضاعف حجمه ليصل عدد طائراته إلى 110 طائرات خلال السنوات العشر القادمة. وتعد الخطوط الجوية القطرية العميل الأول لطائرات الأيرباصA380 الـ «سوبر جمبو» ذات الطابقين حيث تقدمت القطرية بطلب أربع طائرات منها، من المزمع وصولها ابتداء من العام 2009 ليتزامن ذلك مع افتتاح مطار الدوحة الدولي الجديد- الذي يعد تحفة معمارية يتم بناؤها على أراض تردم داخل البحر.

مواعيد رحلات الدوحة-دار السلام، ابتداء من 9 يناير 2007
المغادرة من مطار الدوحة الدولي:
الثلاثاء، الجمعة، السبت، الأحدQR544 الساعة 0805 صباحاً، وتصل دار السلام الساعة 1405 عصراً
المغادرة من مطار دار السلام الدولي:
الثلاثاء، الجمعة، السبت، الأحدQR545 الساعة 1635 مساء، وتصل الدوحة الساعة 2205 مساء

Qatar Airways gets top honour
Pattaya • Qatar Airways has scooped yet another top international honour at the annual TTG Asia travel awards by being named Best Airline in the Middle East and Africa.

Travel agents from across the Asia Pacific region voted for the best companies in different travel sectors – and Qatar Airways came up trumps with the key airline award, further recognising its huge impact in the global aviation industry in the short few years since its formation.

TTG is one of Asia’s most prestigious travel trade publications and this year’s ceremony, held in the Thai holiday resort of Pattaya, was attended by the crème de la crème of the global travel industry.

Mr Marwan Koleilat, Qatar Airways Senior Manager Commercial Operations Far East and Australasia, was presented with the airline’s award at the glittering awards ceremony.

Qatar Airways has made great strides in the aviation industry since its birth less than 10 years ago.

From just four aircraft at the time of Qatar Airways’ launch in 1997, the airline has today a fleet size of 50 planes with an international network spanning 70 destinations. Just two years ago Qatar Airways joined an elite club of airlines ranked Five Star by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency.

Of the four international airlines currently ranked Five Star by Skytrax, three are from the Far East – and Qatar Airways is privileged to join this special service-oriented grouping of carriers.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said he was delighted once again at seeing the sterling efforts of the airline being recognised by travel agents across Asia.

“No airline can make an impact without the full support of travel agents who are vital business partners that help promote airlines to consumers,” he said.

“Qatar Airways has worked extremely hard to get where it is today. I would personally like to thank our travel trade partners and our staff across Asia and indeed rest of the world for their enthusiasm and support in making Qatar Airways a well recognised brand, turning it into a highly reputed airline.”

He added: “Today more than one-third of Qatar Airways’ international network is spread across Asia which covers the Far East, Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. We are looking to extend our operations further in the region and expect to make a few key announcements over the next few months.

“Qatar Airways has made tremendous strides to be recognised for its high levels of service and excellence. Over the past few weeks, in the run up to the 15th Asian Games taking place in Doha, Qatar Airways has been aggressively marketing its brand and will be firmly in the public spotlight as the official airline of the event, which promises to be the biggest and best-ever in the history of the Games.”

Qatar Airways has embarked on a global TV campaign promoting the award-winning airline and the Asian Games and has launched a new international sponsorship strategy of the weather on leading television channels.

Qatar Airways installs world’s first kiosk for frequent fliers
Published: Tuesday, 14 November, 2006, 08:25 AM Doha Time

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2087/21175141248bo2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The kiosk for Qatar Airways Privilege Club members that was opened at Doha International Airport

Qatar Airways has announced another world first with the launch of an instant frequent flyer enrolment kiosk for new Privilege Club members at Doha International Airport.

Located in the Qatar Airways Business Class lounge at the airport, the kiosk dispenses membership cards within seconds of passengers completing their registration details when signing up for the card, said a company statement.

Using simple touch screen technology, the kiosk enables Qatar Airways’ business class passengers (who are not already members) using the lounge to instantly enrol into Privilege Club and receive a 500 Qmiles welcome bonus.

Within seconds of signing up, the kiosk processes the data and delivers their Burgundy card on the spot with their personalised membership number and name laser printed.

Announcing the new service for frequent flyers during World Travel Market in London, Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said the kiosk was yet another service-led initiative from the airline.

"Qatar Airways is proud to be innovators, offering passengers unique levels of service which the industry can only talk about with envy," he said. "The Privilege Club enrolment kiosk that we have introduced at Doha International Airport enables passengers who are not already members to enrol easily, quickly and receive their loyalty card instantly. This is a unique feature, which we believe many passengers will take advantage of."

Qatar Airways is just weeks away from opening its brand new premium terminal for exclusive use by the airline’s first and business class passengers at Doha International Airport.

"The Premium Terminal is the world’s only passenger terminal dedicated to first and business class passengers and we look forward to welcoming our loyal customers to use this wonderful facility - and convert other passengers to choose flying Qatar Airways," added Al Baker.

The new US$90 million facility, built in just nine months, will feature a spa, jacuzzi, fine dining restaurants, together with duty-free and exclusive check-in for premium passengers flying with Qatar Airways.

The Premium Terminal will be ready in time for the 15th Asian Games to be held in Doha between December 1 - 15. Qatar Airways is the Official Airline and Prestige Partner of the Asian Games.

Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club recently won three accolades at the annual Freddie Awards - for best elite level programme, best website and best bonus promotion.

Qatar Airways recently relaunched the Privilege Club website to provide members with greater benefits and easier management of their accounts.

Through the Privilege Club website, www.qmiles.com members are able to log on and check their account balance online, as well as request reward tickets for travel on Qatar Airways and partner airlines.

Qatar Airways currently operates 51 all-Airbus aircraft to 70 destinations worldwide. The fleet size will more than double to 110 aircraft by 2015. The airline has ordered 20 Boeing 777s with deliveries scheduled to start from the end of 2007.

The B777s will form the backbone of Qatar Airways’ long-haul, wide-body fleet for use on new routes across North America and Australasia.

Beautiful games livery!

http://static.flickr.com/103/299218995_7e6a2d0e51_b.jpg

nice and all but i always liked the blue one .

Qatar Airways’ new terminal to be opened on November 25
DOHA • Qatar Airways will be opening the doors to its First and Business Class terminal to passengers on November 25.

Prior to the opening, however, the media and VIPs will get a first look at the spanking new facility built at a cost of $100m. The terminal will be the world's first dedicated First and Business Class terminal, which will be solely for the use of Qatar Airways passengers. The new terminal is part of the ongoing expansion at the existing airport.

Facilities at the new terminal will include dedicated e-gates to speed up immigration formalities, self-service check-in kiosks for passengers carrying only hand baggage, separate First and Business class check-in desks, dedicated First and Business Class lounges, each with their own dining facilities, a duty-free shopping area and a spa, jacuzzi and sauna for passengers to unwind before their flights.

Registered e-card passengers will have their biometric personal data embedded in the cards. These can be swiped through the e-gates before entering the departure lounge.

Also on offer will be massage facilities, showers, washrooms, a children's nursery and play area, conference and meeting rooms, a business centre with secretarial services, free Internet access stations, prayer rooms and a medical centre. The centre of the terminal building will house an atrium and water features.

^^^Intersesting. The lady at QR said it will open Nov.15 which was last week.

^^The people working at Qatar Airways' offices are just plain stupid!
They are giving us some really hard time trying to book a flight to Doha...

^^The people working at Qatar Airways' offices are just plain stupid!
They are giving us some really hard time trying to book a flight to Doha...

Thank God someone said something!

Qatar Airways opens new office in Kuwait City
DOHA • Qatar Airways has opened a new ticketing, reservations and administrative office in the heart of the business district of Kuwait City, a release said yesterday.

Serving members of the public, the travel trade, as well as being the new location for Qatar Airways' administrative staff, the new office is located in one of the tallest buildings in the Kuwaiti capital.

The office, located in Alrakan Tower in Safat district, is three times larger than the old premises and offers a modern, airy and contemporary ambience.

Ticketing, reservations and Qatar Airways Holidays are located on the mezzanine floor, while Qatar Airways' administrative office encompassing finance, cargo and back-office functions, is on the 14th floor. The office is headed up by Area Manager Kuwait, Mohammed Yusef Al Jumairi.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al Baker officially opened the new office yesterday in the presence of more than 70 local dignitaries and VIPs, including travel agents, tour operators, corporates and members of the media.

On a two-day official visit to Kuwait for the annual meeting of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation, Al Baker said the new office was much needed to cope with the growth in the number of business and leisure passengers flying Qatar Airways.

"Our new office will appeal to many visitors because of its location and contemporary feel," he said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"The new office only reinforces the importance of the growing bond between both Qatar and Kuwait, two countries with strong cultural and social links. We at Qatar Airways are looking to develop stronger ties with our flights and superior inflight service to serve passengers of both countries," he said.

Qatar Airways currently operates 25 flights a week between Kuwait City and Doha. The carrier operates a mix of young and modern Airbus A330s, A320s, A321s and A319s on the Kuwait - Doha route offering passengers a choice of First and Economy Class.

Al Baker added that Qatar Airways' flights from Kuwait offered excellent connections to many of the airline's 70 online destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Far East and Indian subcontinent.

^^ Their old one was tiny but at least its within walking distance from our hotel (marriott)

good !!!

QR is a great airline. I never traveled by QR before but my little sister traveled to Amsterdam last month said QR has great inflight entertainment and nice staff but was shocked to see many flight attendants are from Far East

Maybe i will fly by QR to visit Oman in 3 months

so most of them are from the far east and some are eygeptions

if your talking about the passengers then yes it is called taxi of the gulf

if your talking about the passengers then yes it is called taxi of the gulf

What is called Taxi of the Gulf?

Qatar airways taxi of the gulf

^^ And... What exactly does the mean???

delays lots of indos problems always expanding new routs to asia blah blah blah ....

Qatar Airways, new terminal

Qatar Airways has inaugurated a new $90m terminal dedicated to first and business class passengers, reported Gulf News. The 100,000 sqft facility, which offers spa treatment rooms, saunas and Jacuzzis, opens today, Saturday, ahead of the opening of the Asian Games next week. The terminal can handle around 800 passengers an hour.

Saunas? Jazuzzis??!! That's what I call a proper airport! :D

loooooooooooool 800 only we need 1000 atleast any idea of wat the new airport how much can it handel per hour

Here's something I found out recently, lets say, someone wants to fly from Doha to London and back, if you buy the ticket from within Doha it would be (e.g. 1000 Riyals) whereas if you book it from somewhere out of qatar it would be conciderably less (e.g. 600-700 Riyals) for the exact same ticket, does anyone know why they have such a policy??

dont know .... dont care

dont know .... dont care

then why did you bother replying?

dont know .... dont care

Q-son, you dont have to participate if you have nothing to say!! That's rude!

Gulfexpress, as with any airline,taking a nonstop route is more expensive than a stopover route. Its wierd but its true.

For example,

USING Qatar Airways: DOH-LHR-DOH would be more expenive than DXB-DOH-LHR-DOH-DXB with Qatar Airways even though you use MORE flight time and services.

I hope that helps. I guess this is to promote the airline.

oh I see, thanks halawala, btw I do beleive qatar airways is the best in the gulf hands down, been on it a couple of times and it was just superb!

Qatar Airways Announces Order For Boeing 777 Freighters

Doha-Based Carrier Adds Two 777 Freighters To Existing Order For 20 Boeing Passenger 777s

First 777 Freighter Delivery To Coincide With Opening of Doha's New International Airport in 2009

Seattle, UNITED STATES - Qatar Airways, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, has announced an order for two 777 Freighters from US aircraft manufacturer Boeing.

The order is in addition to the 20 Boeing 777s Doha-based Qatar Airways already plans to introduce to its growing fleet. The two new B777-200 freighters will complement the 14 B777-300ERs and six B777-200LRs already ordered.

Qatar Airways' first B777-200 freighter will be delivered to the airline in 2009 to coincide with the opening of the New Doha International Airport, which will have world-class freight facilities able to handle 750,000 tonnes of cargo per annum during its first development phase.

The B777-200F will be used primarily on Qatar Airways' Far East and European routes and will be supplemented by Airbus A300-600F freighters that operate on regional routes feeding the airline's Doha hub.

Launched in May 2005, Boeing's 777 Freighter programme has tallied 51 orders for the world's most capable twin-engine freighter.

"The State of Qatar is a country of robust economic growth," said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.

"While the cornerstone of our success has been focused on our passengers, we also recognise that the 777 Freighter brings asset value to our fleet as we address a growing regional freight market."

The Middle East has been experiencing continued strong air cargo growth and accounts for 5.8 percent of the world's tonnage into, out of, and within the region. The State of Qatar boasts the highest GDP per capita of any Gulf country and amongst the highest in the world.

"Seeing the 777 join Qatar Airways' fleet in both passenger and freighter variants truly underscores the fantastic operational efficiencies of this airplane," said Lee Monson, Boeing Commercial Airplane's vice-president of Sales for the Middle East and Africa.

"We're proud to have this very highly regarded airline select Boeing's 777."

Qatar Airways will begin to receive the 22 Boeing 777s it has ordered in November 2007 with deliveries extending out to mid-2010.

The airline currently operates 52 aircraft from Doha to 70 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Far East and Indian subcontinent.



Qatar Airways expands its international network in 2007 with the launch of non-stop scheduled flights between Doha and New York, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Dar Es Salaam and Lagos, together with two points in Northern and Eastern Europe.

great thats so cool finally we have big airplane that has cargo written on it and 777 too gr8 also flights too newyork

weee! proud of qatar. especially a non-stop flight to newyork

any picturehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/21428851@N00/326375338/

cant see that pic :(

i'm just saying if anyone has any pics

oww ok pic of wat the plane ?

i have a pic of the plane here : http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/9474/dsc00057sn1.jpg

Here are some pics of Qatar airways i took at the CDG...sorry about the quality;

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/kbboy101/MyplaneatCDG.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/kbboy101/Insidemyplane.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/kbboy101/QatarairwaysplaneParis-Doha.jpg

oww ok pic of wat the plane ?

of a Boeing 777 Freighters

^^ i already posted the pic up ^^

saw a better pick at flickr.

oh yeah the colored one you mean this
http://img307.imageshack.us/img307/7595/32637533875f50394c3ej4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

yup.

Here are some pics of Qatar airways i took at the CDG...sorry about the quality;

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/kbboy101/MyplaneatCDG.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/kbboy101/Insidemyplane.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/kbboy101/QatarairwaysplaneParis-Doha.jpg

Nice pics, Kbboy! I love the A330-200 planes!

So, Halawala... Do you have any idea what are the planes for the Cairo-Doha route?

It'll be the first time for me to fly using QA, so what should I expect? :D

So, Halawala... Do you have any idea what are the planes for the Cairo-Doha route?

It'll be the first time for me to fly using QA, so what should I expect? :D


Of course I do! Actually, its QR not QA. QA is Qantas Australian airlines. You dont want to end up there! hehe. (im just being sacrastic). They use Airbus A330-200 aircraft on that daily route. They are the large and modern ones for those who dont know the difference. The newest ones have Orry painted on them and the new QR colorscheme.

You can expect a TV screen in every seat--some planes have LIVE television. hmmm... service is the best around.

Of course I do! Actually, its QR not QA. QA is Qantas Australian airlines. You dont want to end up there! hehe. (im just being sacrastic). They use Airbus A330-200 aircraft on that daily route. They are the large and modern ones for those who dont know the difference. The newest ones have Orry painted on them and the new QR colorscheme.

You can expect a TV screen in every seat--some planes have LIVE television. hmmm... service is the best around.

lol! Ok... QR :)
Anyways, that sounds great! :D Although I remember reading on their website that Live TV was for only some routes...
What about the food/meal?

the only food i like on qatar airways is kit kat you know the choclate lol ;)

القطرية تحصل علي لقب أفضل شركة طيران علي مستوي الشرق الأوسط من المسافرين في أمريكا.. في استفتاء مجلة جلوبال ترافيلير لأفضل شركة طيران

نيويورك- الراية : حصلت الخطوط الجوية القطرية علي لقب "أفضل شركة طيران في الشرق الأوسط" من خلال الاستفتاء التي قامت به المجلة الأمريكية الشهيرة "جلوبال ترافيلير" حيث صوت قراؤها بنسبة مرتفعة للخطوط الجوية القطرية.

وتم منح القطرية هذا اللقب بعد مشاركة قراء مجلة "جلوبال ترافيلير" في مسح كانت قد أجرته المجلة علي مدار سبعة أشهر خلال الفترة من فبراير إلي أغسطس من العام 2006. ويعد هذا اللقب انجازاً هاماً للقطرية في هذا العام حيث يتزامن مع استعداداتها لإطلاق رحلات مجدولة إلي أمريكا.

واستلمت الخطوط الجوية القطرية جائزتها من بيت جميرة إسيكس في نيويورك حيث قام الناشر والرئيس التنفيذي لمجلة "جلوبال ترافيلير"، السيد فرانسس إكس جالاجر، بتكريم جميع الفائزين خلال حفل توزيع الجوائز.

وستشرع القطرية في صيف هذا العام دخول السوق الأمريكية للمرة الأولي برحلات مجدولة بين الدوحة، عاصمة قطر، ومدينة نيويورك - العاصمة الاقتصادية لأمريكا.

وعبّر السيد أكبر الباكر، الرئيس التنفيذي للخطوط الجوية القطرية، عن سعادته لحصول القطرية علي هذه الجائزة من السوق الأمريكية الذي تستعد القطرية دخوله بحماس شديد.

وقال الباكر "يشرفنا جداً استلام هذه الجائزة الكبيرة من قراء مجلة "جلوبال ترافيلير" خاصة وأن القطرية لم تبدأ بعد بتسيير رحلاتها إلي الولايات المتحدة."

وأضاف الباكر "أود أن أتقدم بخالص شكري لقراء مجلة "جلوبال ترافيلير" لمنحنا هذه الجائزة القيّمة مما يعكس ثقافة السفر المتواصل إلي جميع أنحاء العالم لدي الشعب الأمريكي. إنه لشيء رائع أن يتم منح القطرية لقب الأفضل في الشرق الأوسط تكريماً لإنجازاتها العديدة وسرعة نموها رغم صغر سنها."

وأشار الباكر "إننا نسعي لأن نكون الأفضل في مجال الطيران. وتعد خدماتنا حالياً أحد أفضل خدمات الطيران في العالم. إننا نتطلع للتحليق بخدماتنا الحائزة علي تصنيف "الخمس نجوم" إلي السوق الأمريكية هذا الصيف. إنه لشرف كبير لنا."

وقد دخلت الخطوط الجوية القطرية العام 2007 بحلة جديدة احتفالاً بالذكري العاشرة لإعادة إطلاقها حيث تعتزم القطرية خلال العام الحالي إطلاق تسع وجهات جديدة.

وتعد دار السلام - المركز الاقتصادي والتجاري لتنزانيا - أحدث إضافة لعائلة وجهات الخطوط الجوية القطرية حيث شرعت القطرية في التاسع من شهر يناير للعام 2007 بإطلاق رحلات بدون توقف إلي دار السلام.

وتعتزم الخطوط الجوية القطرية خلال العام 2007 ضم كلا من بالي، مدينة هو تشي منه، تشيناي، أحمد أباد ولاجوس إلي شبكتها العالمية بالإضافة إلي مدينتين أخريتين في شمال وشرق أوروبا.

وأضاف الباكر أنه مع توسع ونمو شبكة القطرية العالمية، سيتسني للمزيد من المسافرين فرصة استخدام "مبني البريميم" الجديد في مطار الدوحة الدولي التابع للخطوط الجوية القطرية والمخصص بكل ملحقاته لركاب الدرجتين الأولي والأعمال المسافرين من الدوحة.

ويضم المبني الجديد - الذي تم بناؤه خلال تسعة أشهر فقط - غرفا للمساج والعناية الشخصية "السبا" والجاكوزي ومطاعم راقية تقدم فقط وجبات الخطوط الجوية القطرية بالإضافة إلي أحدث بضائع السوق الحرة. ويعد "مبني البريميم" أول مبني في العالم يخصص بكل ملحقاته لركاب الدرجتين الأولي ورجال الأعمال.

وأضاف السيد فرانسيس إكس جاليجر "تعكس الجوائز السنوية التي حازت عليها الخطوط الجوية القطرية وغيرها من الشركات اعتراف قرائنا بهم كالأفضل عالمياً. أود أن أهنئ جميع الفائزين لما حققوه من إنجازات ساهمت في رفعهم إلي القمة في عالم السفر الذي تحتدم فيه المنافسة."

"جلوبال ترافيلير" هي مجلة شهرية للأعمال والسفر تغطي كافة اهتمامات المسافرين من فئة رجال الأعمال. توزع المجلة في جميع أنحاء الولايات المتحدة. وتعتبر المجلة الأمريكية الوحيدة الخاصة ب"مسافري درجة رجال الأعمال" وتخضع لتدقيق (المكتب الأمريكي للتحقق من النشر).

أجرت مجلة "جلوبال ترافيلير" استفتاءها السنوي الثالث لقرائها وضم عداداً من الأسئلة المفتوحة التي تدور حول أفضل 42 جهة من الجهات المختصة بالسفر سواء للعمل أو الترفيه. وتم جمع إجمالي 13653 استبيانا تمت تعبئتهم من قبل قراء المجلة حيث تم توفير نماذج الاستبيان في نسخ مجلات المشتركين وعلي موقع المجلة الإلكتروني.

وأظهرت نتائج المسح أن متوسط الليالي التي استغرقها المشاركون في رحلات العمل حول العالم قد بلغت 61 ليلة في العام الماضي مقابل 76 ليلة لرحلات العمل المحلية. كما أظهرت النتائج أن متوسط عدد الرحلات حول العالم التي استقلها المشاركون في المسح قد بلغت 18 رحلة مقابل 21 رحلة محلية للشخص الواحد خلال فترة إجراء المسح. وقد بلغت نسبة الذكور من بين المشتركين في الاستفتاء 76% مقابل 24% للإناث وكان متوسط العمر 45 عاماً.

تم تصنيف الخطوط الجوية القطرية من قبل مؤسسة "سكاي تراكس" المتخصصة في مراقبة الجودة في شركات الطيران ب "خمس نجوم" علي مستوي جودة الخدمات للسنة الثالثة علي التوالي، وهو التصنيف الذي تنفرد به القطرية علي مستوي الشرق الأوسط ولا تحظي به إلي جانب القطرية سوي ثلاث شركات عالمية.

????????

Qatar Airways voted Mideast’s ‘Best Airline’

Readers of the US-based Global Traveler magazine have voted Qatar Airways as the “Best Airline in the Middle East”. The national carrier said it was a “fitting accolade in a year when it prepares to launch flights to America.”
The airline was awarded the honour after readers participated in the survey, which ran in the magazine over a seven-month period from February 2006 to August 2006.
Qatar Airways picked up the prestigious award at the Jumeirah Essex House in New York, where Francis X Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler, honoured the airline at a gala ceremony.
This summer, Qatar Airways will enter the US market for the first time with scheduled flights between Doha and New York.
Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar al-Baker expressed his delight at the latest award in a market which the airline was preparing to enter this year.
“Considering that Qatar Airways has not yet even started flying to the United States, we are delighted to receive this highly prestigious award from readers of Global Traveler. I would like to thank the readers of Global Traveler for this wonderful award. It demonstrates that the American public is well travelled to all parts of the world and for a young and rapidly developing airline to be recognised as the Best in the Middle East is a wonderful recognition of our achievements.”
Qatar Airways is on a rapid expansion and plans eight more new destinations this year.
The non-stop flights to Dar-es-Salaam were launched on January 9. In the coming months the airline also plans to add Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Lagos and two cities in eastern and northern Europe.
With a growing international network, al-Baker said more travellers would have an opportunity to use Qatar Airways’ brand new Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport, exclusively for departing first and business class passengers.
Gallagher added: “Our readers have recognised Qatar Airways and other winners in the annual awards as the cream of the crop. I would like to congratulate all our winners for their achievements in the world of travel and the work they do that puts them a step ahead of the competition.”

Of course, its a 5 star airline

New Cities

Qatar Airways this year has announced several new routes for 2007 which will be operated by either two or three class aircraft.

Bali/Desenpar

New York (Newark, from JUNE 28, 2007)

Geneva (from June 27, 2007)

Ho Chi Minh City

Lagos

Chennai

Ahmedabad

Warsaw

Washington DC (daily, from JUNE 21, 2007)

Stockholm

Nagpur

The schedules for Newark, New Jersey are as follows:

QR 83 DOH GVA 11.40 17.10 (-2-4-67) 6hr30min 332
QR 83 GVA EWR 18:55 21:55 (-2-4-67) 9hr00min 332

QR 84 EWR GVA 23:55 13:50+1 (-2-4-67) 7hr55min 332
QR 84 GVA DOH 15:05 22.15 (1-3-5-7) 6hr10min 332

QR would be the first Middle Eastern airline to fly direct to New Jersey

The Doh-Washington DC flight schedules are:
QR 51 DOH IAD 12.35 20.10 (1234567) 14hr35min 346
QR 52 IAD DOH 22.55 19.00+1 (1234567) 13hr05min 346

That would be one looooong nonstop flight!

I fly to Washington a lot and hate going to transit in London everytime. Maybe this flight would suit me better!

yah!! new flights

The first A320 family in new colors: IT looks sexy

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/1042/01fwwim94a6cfzx7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The engines aren't even installed yet!

The engines aren't even installed yet!

OMG! I am an aviation nut, and I totally missed that! Someone slap me! :bash: It probably just came out of the hanger or something! But, aint she a beauty Qatarfreak?

use a belt instead:lol:

OMG! I am an aviation nut, and I totally missed that! Someone slap me! :bash: It probably just came out of the hanger or something! But, aint she a beauty Qatarfreak?
I missed the Karwa, and you missed the engines... Now we're even Halawala! :P

I dont know if I'm meant to put this in this thread but here goes...

Qatar may purchase 10% stake in EADS


Qatar's $40 billion investment fund may buy as much as 10 percent of European Aeronautic Defence & Space (EADS), the fund's chief executive said.

The state-owned Qatar Investment Authority has had talks with EADS, parent of Boeing rival Airbus, because the company is "under pressure" and its shares may be undervalued after falling nearly 20 percent the last year, Sheikh Hamad bin Jasim bin Jaber al-Thani said Saturday.

Airbus has said it will post its first-ever loss for 2006 after a two-year delay in deliveries of its superjumbo A380 led to cost overruns and penalties to customers.

EADS has said it may sell stock to help fund development of its newest plane, the A350.

State-owned Qatar Airways is among the customers for the A380, with four on order. The airline has pledged to buy 60 A350s but has held back from turning its commitment into a firm order.

At the 2005 Paris Air Show, Qatar Airways ordered 60 Airbus A350s and 20 Boeing 777s, with options for 20 more Boeing 777s. The airline has become the largest customer for the yet to be launched A350 and the first Middle East client

guys how to embed a vedio from you tube ????

(of course spell tube correctly)

9cX8L35XpsE

^^^ FIXED IT FOR YOU :) Nice A300-600R CARGO!!

thanks for helping and the best part its the new look man i still have to learn how to post these videos

Qatar Airways gifts A-310 to Pakistan

Islamabad • In a reflection of growing ties between Qatar and Pakistan, Qatar Airways has donated Pakistan an Airbus A-310, The Peninsula learnt yesterday.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz thanked the State of Qatar and said the gesture symbolised the close ties of the two brotherly countries and desire on their part to strengthen these relations.

The Airbus was handed over to Pakistan yesterday.

Talking to Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, the prime minister said Pakistan and Qatar were bound in ties of common faith and culture with shared perceptions, which explains their keenness to cement economic and trade ties for which “there is great potential”.

Akbar Al Baker later called on Aziz yesterday. The prime minister noted a large number of expatriate Pakistanis were working in Qatar and playing a vital role in its development.

He expressed his government’s desire to send in more such dedicated workforce.

Aziz also praised the progress made by Qatar Airways in a short span of time. He said Pakistan International Airlines, the country’s national flag carrier, and Qatar Airways should increase cooperation to share the best practices.

The meeting was attended among others by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Muhammad Ali Khan Durrani; State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Azeem Khan; Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Commander Khalil ur Rehman and senior officials.

^^Thats great



Qatar Airways flights to Lagos from March 1
Web posted at: 2/20/2007 2:1:52
Source ::: The Peninsula

Doha • Qatar Airways yesterday announced Lagos will be the airline's second route launch of 2007 with scheduled flights to Nigeria's commercial and business capital Lagos beginning March 1. It will operate three flights a week between Doha and Lagos using Airbus A330 aircraft, in a two-class configuration of Business and Economy, a release said yesterday.

With the addition of Lagos, Qatar Airways will operate a wider African network that spans the entire continent, from Casablanca in the west and Cairo in the north to Nairobi in the east and Cape Town in the south.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said the addition of Lagos reinforced the airline's strategy to serve key cities around the world. “We launched flights to Nairobi at the end of 2005, recently began services to Dar es Salaam and are now planning our newest route of Lagos on March 1," he said.

"Lagos is a vitally important commercial and business centre and with the strong oil and gas interests in both Qatar and Nigeria, we expect a high level of business on the route, as well as from key feeder markets of the GCC countries," he added.

Qatar ‘may drop’A350, buy Boeing Dreamliner



DOHA: Qatar Airways, the lead customer for Airbus SAS’s new widebody jet, may drop a preliminary $10bn order for the plane and buy Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner because the European planemaker has no final design for its aircraft.
Airbus will have to present a finished plan for the plane by the Paris Air Show in June or the airline will turn to Boeing, Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar al-Baker said here yesterday.
“If the A350 falls through, we have no other alternative, of course, to then buy the 787s,” al-Baker said in an interview.
Qatar’s state-owned airline, which was the launch customer for the A350s, signed a letter of intent to purchase 60 of the planes at the Paris show in 2005. The airline threatened last June to turn to Boeing if Airbus didn’t move fast enough on the A350 and it’s now given the planemaker a deadline.
“We normally don’t comment on ongoing discussions with airlines but I would hope to have a full contract agreed before June with Qatar Airways,” said John Leahy, Airbus’s chief commercial officer, in a telephone interview from the company’s headquarters in Toulouse, France.
The A350 is Airbus’s sixth attempt to come up with a rival to Boeing’s 787.
Airbus is investing in the plane at the same time as working to complete development of the A380 superjumbo jet, which is running two years late. Airbus parent European Aeronautic, Defence & Space Co expects to spend about 11.6bn euros ($15.4bn) developing the 300-seat A350.
“When they have frozen the spec of the airplane, they have given us all the data that we require, we will then be ready to sign,” al-Baker said of Airbus.
“The ball is in their court.”
He also said he expects penalty payments or discounts on future purchases because of delays on the company’s order for the A380 jet. Qatar Airways has ordered two A380s and taken an option to buy two additional planes.
“Airbus will have to give us delayed penalties,” al-Baker said. “If they want us to buy additional airplanes, they will have to give us massive discounts.”
Qatar Airways has 53 aircraft and flies to 71 destinations. The airline will start flights to New York and eight other destinations in Asia, Africa and Europe this year.
The carrier expects passenger number for the financial year ending March 31 to rise by 34% and revenue to increase by 48%, al-Baker said. Qatar Airways will sell shares to the public by 2010 at the earliest or 2012 at the latest.
Qatar Airways and rival Arabian Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways are among the fastest growing airlines in the world as they try to make the region a hub for business and tourism. – Bloomberg

Airbus has been falling apart these last few months :ohno:

^^YEA! AGREED TOTALLY!^^

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/4450/a320qatarjpg22545ac5416sw2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

again w/o the engines! aint she a beauty?

:nuts: :nuts: wooooow so cool :eek: :eek:

Qatar Airways wins award
Published: Saturday, 10 March, 2007, 09:00 AM Doha Time

Staff Reporter
QATAR Airways, the national carrier of Qatar and one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, has won the 2007 FFP Innovation Gold Award, recognising the airline industry’s most progressive frequent flyer programme.
The award ceremony which took place on February 27 as part of the third annual FFP Conference in Vancouver, Canada, was attended by almost 70 different airlines from around the world. The Silver Award went to Air Canada’s frequent flyer programme, Aeroplan.
Voting for the FFP award (Frequent Flyer Programme) was open to all current airline employees, who responded in record numbers to vote for the world’s most innovative programme in this category.
Each employee can only vote for a programme belonging to another airline, making this award particularly prestigious as the only airline loyalty accolade where professionals recognise their best competitors.
Qatar Airways was honoured with a first place Gold Award based upon its introduction of a self-service terminal for the enrolment of new members into its Privilege Club Programme.
Developed by the UK’s Trident Loyalty Systems, the terminal not only enrols new Qatar Airways’ frequent flyer members instantaneously, but also prints the new member’s frequent flyer membership card simultaneously - an industry first.
“We owe this award to our only employee that never complains or requires a coffee break ... our loyalty kiosk,” said Qatar Airways’ senior manager, loyalty, Iain Webster, while accepting the award.
The 2008 FFP Awards will be celebrated as part of FFP Conference in Istanbul, Turkey, scheduled to take place from March 11-13, 2008.

WoW Qatar airway has got 2 awards in a 3 month period !!!!! Go Qatar Airways

look wat i found in the NDIA video a Qatar Airways 747 !!!! but i wish it really happens i mean its just a video :

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/167/747qatarairwaysmr3.png (http://imageshack.us)

^^ LOL, yeah, I know. But, its just a concept to show that these gates can support a 744.

744 i never heard of it

Its a 747 but the -400 kind (the newest and biggest kind so far) So, in shortcut you call it 744.

Is it just me but doe the screenshot look like something out of FS9? The planes look like AI planes lol

Dubai-Doha flight pictures

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/tahaiqureshi/Doha061.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/tahaiqureshi/Doha063.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/tahaiqureshi/Doha062.jpg

Qatar Airways to place order for 80 Airbus A350s - report

March 15, 2007: 04:08 AM EST

LONDON, Mar. 15, 2007 (AFX International Focus) -- Qatar Airways is set to become the launch customer for the new family of Airbus long-haul, wide-body jets, the A350, the Financial Times reported in its online edition, citing Qatar Airway's CEO.

The Middle East carrier is expected to finalise an order for 80 aircraft, valued at 16 bln usd, before very heavy discounts, in June, the paper said.

The order will provide a vote of confidence in the ability of the troubled European aircraft maker to deliver its planned range of long range, 270-350 seat jets on schedule following the costly debacle over bringing the larger A380 superjumbo into series production.

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways chief executive, told the Financial Times: 'We are close to signing a letter of intent [to order the A350s] and we will then sign a contract by the middle of 2007.'
The formal signing is likely to take place at the Paris airshow in June, the report said.

Al Baker also provided much-needed support for Airbus's beleaguered A380 programme. He said the airline, which had previously announced firm orders for two A380s, would definitely convert its options for two more A380s into firm orders, and it was also discussing internally additional A380 orders. Negotiations had not yet started with Airbus.

He said that the scale of the penalty payments for late delivery of the A380s had been included in the original contract. 'We have a very tough penalty clause. We are quite satisfied with it,' he said.

Delivery of Qatar Airways' first two A380s had been rescheduled to the end of 2010 and early 2011, he said, with the next two aircraft due to arrive at the end of 2011 and in early 2012.

The delivery dates could possibly be brought forward, however, he said, as a result of the recent cancellation by UPS (NYSE:UPS) , the US express freight group, of its orders for 10 A380 freighters and the decision by Airbus to halt development of the cargo version in order to concentrate its stretched engineering resources on the rescue programme for the passenger version.

Qatar Airways originally reached a provisional agreement with Airbus in mid-2005 to order 60 A350s, but the project was then hit by long delays.

Al Baker disclosed for the first time yesterday that the airline was intending to raise the order to 80 A350s from 60 and said it was planning to include orders for all three versions of the aircraft including 20 of the A350-1000, the biggest version at around 350 seats.

It was planning to take first delivery in 2013 and Al Baker said that it was written into the contract that Qatar Airways would be the launch customer.

Source: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-15232891.htm

:banana:

Qatar Airways should open a route from Denmark to Doha!!!

^^ It would make it alot easier, and you would have the time to watch a few more movies on the way :cheers:
But then again, I would hate a danish invation of Qatar, so on the other hand I hope they wont open a route from Denmark, it will make it toooo easy :lol:

ha ha, yeah, but Qatar is the land, in the whole Middle East, where the most danes lives. Remember Maersk Oil and Maersk Shipping incl. COWI (they build harbours) is danish :D .....muhaha, we have already started the invasion - Qatar will never be the same. (lool)

Mmm true, but ppl that works there are fine, just keep the tourists out :lol: I know at least 30 ppl that would go there, if QR opened a route, but at this time find it too long a trip, let them stay at that, I want my horsey loving sheikhs for myself :lol: hehe a bit selfish? oohh yes :tongue2:

Taha awesome pics!

Qatar Airways touches down in Chennai, Bali,and Ho Chi Minh City

Quote:
Doha, QATAR - The latest moves in Qatar Airways' huge expansion across Asia and the Indian sub-continent took off yesterday with flights from its base in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, to Chennai (formerly known as Madras) and the tropical island of Bali.

Chennai is served by a daily A321
Bali is served by 4 weekly A300-600R via KUL
Ho Chi Minh City is served by a 5 weekly A300-600R

Total Destinations: 75

Apparently QR Cargo also launched Sharjah services, but I am not sure if its scheduled or chartered though.

^^ wooooooohooooooooo!!

By the way Halawala, I thought this might be of interest to you.. my dad's an aircraft engineer here in Malaysia airlines and I've also inherited his love for airplanes..hehe, I'm obsessed with them..I can travel on an airplane everyday even! haha

^^ I hate traveling with airplanes! it makes me sick!
Well.. Nowadays is better than before! Before I used to die :lol:

QR is definitely a 5-star airline :banana:

I never traveled by Qatar Airways, but my younger sister did on her way to Amsterdam via Doha. She said her flights offered 5-star dining and 5-star passenger service.

With the new airport in Doha it gives a srong rivalry to DXB.

Go go Qatar !

i prefer qatar airways over emirates. i thinks the service is better. but it doesn't have the same coverage as emirates because it's smaller. so it doesn't have as many lounges around the world. but in the future it will be more comparable to emirates in terms of size as it is rapidly expanding, i think even faster than emirates

An Airbus 300-600R (reg: A7-ABV)suffered extensive damage beyond repair as a result of a hanger fire during maintenence at Abu Dhabi International Airport (GAMCO maintenence center).


:(

that did not happen today did it becus i saw it on wikipedia about 2 days ago

that did not happen today did it becus i saw it on wikipedia 3 days ago

Yeah it happened yesterday, and I was the one who wrote it in wikipedia ;)

really thumbs up man but next time post here first

really thumbs up man but next time post here first

The site wasnt working yesterday? Did you notice it, too?

Yeah! ^^^

yes indeed your right i wonder why thats why i was on wikipedia the second best for me right after this site

Qatar Airways A-330 the new look !!!

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/2025/1201271he3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

And the A-300 cargo

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/606/1191740gd2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

What The Hell !!!

Qatar Airways 747

( A7-ABK (cn 21604/346) Qatar had two ex All Nippon 747SRs. The only shot on Anet of the full colours Qatar 747. Taken looking south in mid summer. )

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/6269/0978529qw4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^^ QR had old 747s back in the mid-90's when you were little. But, they changed to Airbus in the late 90's. Ive flown on the new QR colors many times! ;)

so we did have 747 (stupid airline dosent buy 747 ..buy's airbus. mmssmjdhdbf ) i am so angry now i mean i am soo angry .:bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: My dreams were for Qatar airways to get the new 747 and know i heared that they had it but they dumped it ?!?!?!!!?!!!!!!!!!!

Announcement

Qatar Airways flying to New York & Washington

^^Too Newark, thats still part of New York:D

Photos of the Burned QR plane in Abu Dhabi: (sad, huh?)

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/7205/qatarho4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3338/qatar1tt1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

What does QR stand for ???

What does QR stand for ???

Qatar Airways!!!

We have a Qatar Airways army planes ?! :nuts: :ohno: :lol: :bash:

Damn! That looks bad! :ohno:

:omg: hamdelah no one got hurt!!

ah sorry it looked like an army plane with the grey and light grey but i relised its a passenger plane halawala is that the one you were talking about the one that ( burned ) btw where is the loga and the QatarAirways thingy ???

hope every body on the airline was ok

according to airiners.net this is the qatarairways a310 gift after its recoloring into pakistan airways :

AP-OOI (cn 473) Ex Qatar's A310, now in Pakistan Governemt scheme. Pakistan's President on Board.

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/6207/1202183st0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Qatar Airways wins ‘Best Airline Award’

Web posted at: 5/8/2007 4:45:48
Source ::: The Peninsula



DOHA • Qatar Airways has won the 'Best Airline Award' for the second year running at the annual Middle East and North Africa (Mena) travel awards held in Dubai, an airline release said yesterday.

The award was picked up by Qatar Airways General Manager (Commercial) Ali Al Rais on behalf of the airline at a ceremony, held at the city's Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, which also saw the airline's subsidiary, Qatar Duty Free, win the 'Best (Platinum) Duty Free Operator Award' in the region.

The award was collected by Qatar Duty Free Deputy General Manager Krishna Kumari. Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) received the region's 'Best Tourism Board Award'.

The awards night was attended by representatives covering the entire spectrum of the region's travel industry – airlines, hotels, car rental companies, travel agents and tour operators.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and QTA Chairman Akbar Al Baker, said the best airline award was an added boost ahead of Qatar Airways' new flights to the US this summer.

"This award comes at an important time in our expansion, just weeks before we set foot in the United States with our inaugural flights to New York on June 28 and Washington DC on July 19," said Al Baker, who is also CEO of Qatar Duty Free.

"With Geneva and Stockholm also in the pipeline this year, awards like this only reinforce the message that Qatar Airways is becoming an airline of choice for passengers in the region and, indeed, around the world."

"I am delighted that Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Duty Free have again been recognised at this year's awards, which only goes to show that the tourism industry in Qatar is truly making a huge impact in the region."

^^^ YAYYYYYYYYYY!

QR is bagging all awards! :D

Qatar Airways looking for Boeing 777 pilots


DOHA • With Qatar Airways embarking on a major expansion, both in terms of opening up new routes and acquisition of aircraft, recruitment is also not lagging behind.

With the airline scheduled to receive the first of its Boeing 777s later this year, Qatar Airways is on the lookout for captains and first officers to fly the aircraft.

Captains are being offered a salary of QR48,700 which is inclusive of a housing allowance.

Other benefits include meal allowances, a subsidy for children's school fees and loss of licence, medical and group life insurance schemes.

First officers are offered similar benefits with a salary of around QR36,000.

Applicants for the post of a captain should be below the age of 62 and have a minimum of 6,000 hours flying experience of which 2,000 hours should be of command and 1,500 hours of jet command.

Moreover, he or she should have 500 hours of experience on type. Licenses, obviously, are a must in all cases.

Fort first officers, the minimum amount of hours flown should be 1,000 out of which 500 should be on type.

The age requirement for them is that applicants have to be below 50.

Qatar Airways is also seeking flight deck crew for its fleet of Airbus A300, A320 and A330 aircraft.

First officers in this case should be aged below 45. They will also be given type-rating conversions on the A300 or A320.

As for captains, they should have a total minimum of 6,000 hours of flying experience out of which 1,500 should be jet command.

Captains without a rating on aircraft which Qatar Airways operates, should have 6,000 hours with at last 2,000 in command of which 1,500 should be jet command.

The applicant should also have 500 hours on heavy/medium jets equipped with Electronic Flight Information Systems. (EFIS).

EFIS are glass cockpit avionics that integrate all flight parameters into one optimised instrument.

Qatar Airways First To Fuel Planes With Natural Gas


Qatar Airways plans to become the first airline in the world to fuel its aircraft with natural gas, the company’s chief executive said in an interview.

Akbar al-Baker said the airline was talking to oil giant Royal Dutch Shell and engine manufacturers about using a form of diesel made from natural gas, known as GTL, or Gas-to-Liquids fuel, in its planes; and as soon as the engine manufacturers certify their engines to be used with GTL, Qatar Airways will be the first airline to fuel its airplanes with GTL.

Qatar has the world’s third-largest gas reserves and is keen to develop the use of GTL; Smart and logical thinking.

Al-Baker also said that Qatar Airways planned to buy 80 Airbus A350 XWB wide-body jets in a $17.2 billion deal.

Personally I'm really impressed by Qatar Airways and their growth over the past few years, they'll be giving Emirates a hard run for their money.
Other than the growth, I think it's great that they're taking steps towards using cleaner technologies, although their goal might actually be to tap into their natural gas resources, but well if along the way they help the environment a bit, that's always good.

In fact I'm not impressed just by Qatar Airways but by Qatar as a whole; a lot of money is being invested in building up the country and its profile worldwide, and I think it's great.
Sometimes it does feel as if they're going straight after the UAE and somehow copying them, but if it works, then that's what counts, and all the best to them.

Qatar Airways set for NY and Washington
by Safura Rahimi on Wednesday, 02 May 2007

Qatar Airways is set to fly to Washington DC and New York, in a move that will expand its international network with first-time services to the US, it was announced on Wednesday.

The company will fly to the US capital starting July 19 and will add four-times-weekly flights to New York - via Geneva - beginning June 28, as part of the seven cities being added to the airline's summer expansion programme.

"Qatar Airways is preparing for its biggest route launches of the year with both New York and Washington DC coming online this summer," Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, said at the Arabian Travel Market event in Dubai.

We are extremely excited to widen our reach to the United States and offer the travelling public a long-awaited service between the Middle East and US east coast," he added.

Commenting on the six month delay of the airline's US launches - the launch was first expected in January - Mr. Al Baker claimed that the airline was ready but that US regulations pushed back the launch date.

"I don't want to blame the US," he said. "They went into an experience [9/11] that I hope no one else in the world goes through, [and] they have to be more careful about all regulatory policies being completed."

"It's fair to say we would have liked the process to be more efficient," he added.

Qatar Airways joins UAE carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways in offering services from the Middle East to the US, a move that will offer connections to and from the GCC markets.

Mr. Al Baker also announced that the airline is stepping up its frequency on the Doha-Dubai route with an additional daily flight, saying, "[we] recognises the importance of key neighbouring markets like the UAE to feed traffic onto its network."

The move means a total of eight daily flights and 56 weekly flights between the two cities.

Qatar Airways currently flies to 75 worldwide destinations from its hub in Doha, including Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Chennai, Bali and Ho Chi Minh City.

The airline's fleet is set to more than double in size to 110 aircraft by 2015 as it plans to buy 80 Airbus A350s and 22 Boeing 777s, with deliveries beginning this November.

Qatar Airways First To Fuel Planes With Natural Gas


Qatar Airways plans to become the first airline in the world to fuel its aircraft with natural gas, the company’s chief executive said in an interview.

Akbar al-Baker said the airline was talking to oil giant Royal Dutch Shell and engine manufacturers about using a form of diesel made from natural gas, known as GTL, or Gas-to-Liquids fuel, in its planes; and as soon as the engine manufacturers certify their engines to be used with GTL, Qatar Airways will be the first airline to fuel its airplanes with GTL.

Qatar has the world’s third-largest gas reserves and is keen to develop the use of GTL; Smart and logical thinking.

Al-Baker also said that Qatar Airways planned to buy 80 Airbus A350 XWB wide-body jets in a $17.2 billion deal.

Personally I'm really impressed by Qatar Airways and their growth over the past few years, they'll be giving Emirates a hard run for their money.
Other than the growth, I think it's great that they're taking steps towards using cleaner technologies, although their goal might actually be to tap into their natural gas resources, but well if along the way they help the environment a bit, that's always good.

In fact I'm not impressed just by Qatar Airways but by Qatar as a whole; a lot of money is being invested in building up the country and its profile worldwide, and I think it's great.
Sometimes it does feel as if they're going straight after the UAE and somehow copying them, but if it works, then that's what counts, and all the best to them.


wooow!!! eco-friendly planes! that should difinately push QA to a whole new level in the airline industry! :cheers:

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/7811/516252033ac605ac0bdbsy0.jpg

^^I didn't know they had these kinds in Qatar Airways

acctully we always had them but its the privite plane

Qatar has signed an order for 80 Airbus A350XWB aircraft worth $16bn, the largest contract to date for the airline.

The deal was signed on Wednesday in Toulouse, France, by Akbar al-Baker, head of Qatar Airways, and Louis Gallois, Airbus chief executive.

The order replaces a 2005 agreement for 60 planes.

"The A350XWB will equip Qatar Airways with the very latest generation and most modern fleet," said al-Baker.

Gallois described the accord as "the largest contract to date" for the long haul A350, which can carry between 250 and 380 passengers.


Qatar is the largest all Airbus operator in the Middle East.

The country has also expressed interest in Airbus parent group European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), but there has been no specific discussion about the country becoming a shareholder.

Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, present at the deal signing on Wednesday, vowed his government will seek new investors for EADS.

Safety measures



In another development, David Martinon, French presidential spokesman, said Qatar and EADS were to sign an agreement on June 3 on radar-based protection and safety measures for Qatari airspace.



"The A350XWB will equip Qatar Airways with the very latest generation and most modern fleet"

Akbar al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways

Airbus has been losing customers for mid-sized jets to US rival Boeing and was forced last year to launch a costly redesign of the planned A350 to compete with Boeing's 777 and 787 Dreamliner, due to enter service in 2008.



The European aircraft maker has relied heavily on future demand for super jumbos to serve increasingly congested airports worldwide.



Qatar is a customer for the A380 super jumbo which has hit delivery delays.



But Airbus denies that this is linked to plans to cut thousands of jobs at its factory based in Toulouse in the south of France.



A tourism boom in the Middle East is contributing to the region's air traffic growth, powering the rapid expansion of airports and airlines.



The International Air Transport Association forecasts that international passenger air traffic in the Middle East will expand by an average annual growth of 6.9 per cent until 2010.

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/578AE7E0-D071-481C-874D-6DA89E595CE2.htm

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, left, and President of Airbus and co-chief executive of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) Louis Gallois, right, sign a contract at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Wednesday, May 30, 2007, as France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, rear right, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, look on. Qatar Airways signed a contract Wednesday to buy 80 Airbus A350 jets worth $16 billion (11.8 billion euros). The A350 is Airbus' challenger to Boeing's 787 long-range, mid-sized aircraft.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8650/sgeiim95300507172706phocr0.jpg

:banana:

My sister used QR on her way to Holland and she said it's the best experience ever !! :banana:

The image of Qatar Airways is further boosted by tonnes of commercials in Al-Jazeera English !! :banana: Very superb ads !

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, left, and President of Airbus and co-chief executive of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) Louis Gallois, right, sign a contract at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Wednesday, May 30, 2007, as France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, rear right, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, look on. Qatar Airways signed a contract Wednesday to buy 80 Airbus A350 jets worth $16 billion (11.8 billion euros). The A350 is Airbus' challenger to Boeing's 787 long-range, mid-sized aircraft.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8650/sgeiim95300507172706phocr0.jpg

:banana:


how dare they make HH stand while the other people are relaxing on there chairs i mean look at him in the picture he looks upset !!!!!!

Sarkozy is also standing and he is the president of France... So does it matter?

^^ thats even worse !!!!!!!

they should have sat down i am really desepointed by that dam ceo

^^ this is the way things work, Its not the first time.

i think its okay especially that he doesn't mind..........i think that actually nice from him, and it shows how simple he is. i don’t think any other president would have stood there waiting for people to get done signing contracts…….

PS: i agree with Artanis

Qatarson, there is something called protocol and in these situations the president or leader must stand up while others sit down. For example, look at news conferences. Presidens usually stand in the podium and news reporters sit down. Or when the Amir makes a speech in front of people sitting down.

hmmm you are right thanks for pointing it out ( ps : he is not standing behind a podiom or making a speech i know i know it was an example)

reminds me my mother used to tell me : ( i dont care what the fat content is just stick it in the musturd stick it in your mouth and walk away ! ) :lol:

any how any idea when the a380's and the a350's are coming plz dont tell me 2009 please !!

^^ I was reading the oryx magazine last night on the plane, it says that they will start recieving the first batch of Boeing 777's in November this year, but they didnt mention any airbus aircrafts arriving anytime soon.

Qatar Airways increases KL-Doha flights
June 14 2007

QATAR Airways has announced that it will offer an additional three flights for the Kuala Lumpur-Middle East routes due to strong customer demand.

The new flights are effective today.

In support of the Visit Malaysia Year 2007, the new flight plan between Kuala Lumpur and Doha is expected to cater to holiday makers from the Middle East coming to Malaysia starting this month to September, said Alan Chua, Qatar Airways’ area manager for Malaysia.

“To date, we have recorded healthy advanced bookings to Kuala Lumpur, particularly from Middle Easterners who are planning to travel on leisure this season,” said Chua in a statement.

With the additional three flights, the airline is now able to increase its seats capacity by 40 per cent, bringing it to 2,500 seats weekly.

Under its global expansion plan, the airline is also set to expand its network by including New York from June 26 via New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport and Washington DC, beginning July 19. — Bernama

Qatar Airways increases KL-Doha flights
June 14 2007

QATAR Airways has announced that it will offer an additional three flights for the Kuala Lumpur-Middle East routes due to strong customer demand.

The new flights are effective today.

In support of the Visit Malaysia Year 2007, the new flight plan between Kuala Lumpur and Doha is expected to cater to holiday makers from the Middle East coming to Malaysia starting this month to September, said Alan Chua, Qatar Airways’ area manager for Malaysia.

“To date, we have recorded healthy advanced bookings to Kuala Lumpur, particularly from Middle Easterners who are planning to travel on leisure this season,” said Chua in a statement.

With the additional three flights, the airline is now able to increase its seats capacity by 40 per cent, bringing it to 2,500 seats weekly.

Under its global expansion plan, the airline is also set to expand its network by including New York from June 26 via New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport and Washington DC, beginning July 19. — Bernama

Skyprince, you have no reason not to come to Qatar now! haha

^^ We ( me and my sister ) really want to meet you in Qatar , next year in February hopefully :banana: So get ready to show us around :naughty: :naughty: Not this August cuz at that time many Gulf citizens come here to " escape heat " there, so early next year will be just ideal :) I met so many Qataris in Langkawi island.

^^ We ( me and my sister ) really want to meet you in Qatar , next year in February hopefully :banana: So get ready to show us around :naughty: :naughty: Not this August cuz at that time many Gulf citizens come here to " escape heat " there, so early next year will be just ideal :) I met so many Qataris in Langkawi island.

Of course dude! :banana:

Qatar Airways sees market for its ageing A300 carriers

Doha • Qatar Airways is not expected to have any problem offloading its fleet of ageing Airbus A300 aircraft, sources at the airline have said.

Qatar Airways will be selling off its eight A300-600s from the middle of next year, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al Baker said recently.

The source said there is a ready market for the A300s particularly as they can be converted to freighter capabilities.

The airline itself has converted one of the aircraft to freighter configurations. The source said: "The A300s can easily be converted to freighters and there is still a demand for the aircraft."

The airline is jettisoning the aircraft as it prepares to induct new jets into an ever-expanding fleet.

It is expected to finalise the agreement for an order of 80 A350XWB aircraft at he upcoming Paris Air Show later this month.

The airline hopes to have a total off 110 aircraft in its fleet in the next decade and an equal number of destinations.

The A300s the airline is selling off may also be picked up by relatively cash-poor carriers to replace rickety old jets.

The aircraft have served Qatar Airways well and has been a workhorse for the airline since it came into being.

The A300 was launched in 1972 and was first introduced to the world by its first buyer, Air France.

The A300 was he first twin-engine wide-body aircraft in the world and till date, 561 have been ordered out of which 556 have been delivered. Production is expected to cease next month.

QR firms up 80 A350XWB aircraft, orders 3 more A380s and 3 more A320's!!


Qatar Airways has signed a contract for the purchase of 80 of the all-new Airbus A350 XWB aircraft and also placed an order for a further three A380s, bringing their total order for the type to five.


Qatar Airways also ordered 3 A32S aircraft.

"Additionally, Qatar is ordering three new single-aisle jets of Airbus's A320 family."



I think this is the world's largest order of airplanes at one time!:banana: :banana: :banana:

^^Yes it really sounds huge! When I first heard about an 80 Airbus350 order I thought it was a mistake...

80.........how many jets does Qatar airway currently have. and how many would it have by the first phase opening of NDIA.????????

OMG, 5 a380 that totaly made my day !!!! some body pinch me ! (plz dont pinch me)

currently 57 (108 Orders) i think most of them will be ready in the next 5 years

Is this correct or is this out dated ?

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/4320/untitledxu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thats very very outdated!!

Qatar Airways seals $17bn Airbus order

doha • Qatar Airways yesterday confirmed a $16bn order for 80 Airbus A350s making the airline the single largest customer of the European aircraft manufacturer’s newest commercial jet.

The airline has also increased its orders for the widebody Airbus A380s from two to five aircraft, a release said. A separate agreement for three additional A380s worth almost $1bn in total was also announced.

At a press conference held on the opening day of the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget yesterday, Qatar Airways’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al Baker confirmed the orders in the presence of Airbus President Louis Gallois.

The A350 deal replaces original plans announced two years ago by Qatar Airways to purchase 60 A350s. The airline has now opted for the redesigned Extra Widebody (XWB) version of the A350 in three different variants. Qatar Airways’ commitment announced yesterday is for 20 Airbus A350-800s, 40 A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s, the latter being a stretch version of the new aircraft. Qatar Airways is the launch customer of the A350-1000XWB variant.

The A350-XWB, depending upon variant, will have between 260 and 350 seats in Qatar Airways’ typical two-class configuration and will be used to operate on key routes across the airline’s international network covering Europe, Africa, Far East and the Indian subcontinent.

Deliveries are set to begin in August 2013 and will gradually replace the Airbus A330s, which are currently the backbone of Qatar Airways’ fleet. Al Baker said the announcement finally ended months of protracted negotiations with Airbus over the design of the A350-XWB. “This deal has been a long time coming but clearly demonstrates Qatar Airways’ commitment to this new generation aircraft,” he said, speaking at a press conference at Le Bourget.

“This large A350-XWB order, comprising all three variants, underlines the confidence that Qatar Airways has in Airbus’ capability to produce an outstanding, new generation twin-engine widebody aircraft for entry into service from 2013.

Rolls-Royce, meanwhile, announced the largest-ever firm engine order for its civil aerospace business in an order with Qatar Airways worth $5.6bn at list prices, which includes a TotalCare long-term services agreement. The order is for Trent XWB engines to power the new fleet of 80 Airbus A350XWB twinjets.

Qatar Airways has, and will continue to, work with Airbus and Rolls-Royce in the definition and optimisation of an outstanding family of aircraft.“

Qatar Airways is the largest Airbus operator in the Middle East, currently flying 58 all-Airbus aircraft, including the A319s, A320s, A321s, A330s and A340s. Qatar Airways is also a launch customer of the with five now on order for deliveries beginning in 2010.

Rolls-Royce bags $5.6bn Qatar Airways order

DOHA • Rolls-Royce yesterday announced the largest-ever firm engine order for its civil aerospace business in an order with Qatar Airways worth $5.6bn at list prices, which includes a TotalCare long-term services agreement. The order, announced at the Paris Air Show, is for Trent XWB engines to power the new fleet of 80 Airbus A350XWB twinjets, with deliveries beginning in 2013.

The order includes all members of the A350 XWB family, consisting of 20 A350-800s, 40 A350-900s and 20 of the largest family variant, the A350-1000. A single version of the Trent XWB will be capable of powering all aircraft in the series.

Akbar Al-Baker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Qatar Airways, said: "This commonality will give us a highly-efficient engine and airframe combination that will have a positive impact on cost of ownership. By developing this engine specifically for the A350XWB, Rolls-Royce will deliver an optimised powerplant with not only the best economics, but also new generation environmental technologies."

Sir John Rose, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce, added: "This is an extremely significant order from one of the world's most forward-looking airlines. Qatar Airways has developed a reputation as ambitious and fast-moving, and we are committed to helping it achieve its goals."

Latest noise and emissions reduction features will be drawn from the Rolls-Royce Vision technology acquisition programmes, ensuring the Trent XWB exceeds all current and anticipated environmental legislation by significant margins.

The Trent XWB is the only engine available for the A350 XWB. This is Qatar Airways' second selection of a Trent engine. The airline also operates a fleet of four Airbus A340-600s, powered by the Trent 500.

Qatar Airways flies to New York today !!!

DOHA • Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al Baker will lead a host of dignitaries as the airline embarks on its inaugural flight to the US and New York at 8.40am this morning. The airline will use Newark's Liberty International Airport as its port of entry into New York.

Flight QR083 will be making the journey via Geneva-its second Swiss destination after Zurich-where it will halt for approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The New York service will be operated utilising Airbus A330 aircraft.

Other than senior airline and government officials, media from Doha and Dubai will also be making the trip. In Geneva, Swiss aviation authorities are expected to greet the flight and a water arch is planned both in Switzerland and in Newark soon after Flight QR083's arrival.

The A330 flights to the US will have a three-class configuration with 12 seats in First Class, 18 in Business Class and 208 in Economy Class.

In New York, Al Baker will address a media briefing on June 27 and on the following day, a gala dinner will take place where well-known singer and ex-Supreme Diana Ross will be among the featured guests at an event which will see other luminaries from the Big Apple.

Al Baker had said recently the airline will be increasing the frequency of its flights to New York to daily by the end of next year gradually increasing its number of flights until then. At present, flights will depart Doha on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The airline is due to its start its daily non-stop service to Washington DC from July 19.

How about Doha- Buenos-Aires non-stop ? :banana:

^^ cant wait for that route to open up, I heard emirates is planning on taking that route

i am surprised that emirates a uae airline will fly the Doha- Buenos-Aires route through doha

DOHA/GENEVA • Qatar Airways yesterday launched scheduled flights to Geneva – its second destination in Switzerland – flying onwards to New York (Newark) and signalling the airline's maiden services to the US.

Flight QR083 from Doha arrived at Geneva International Airport in the afternoon to a 'fireman's salute' water arch ceremony, followed by traditional Swiss music and entertainment. The flight later continued its journey to New York.

A number of government, business and media VIP dignitaries from Qatar and the GCC countries were on board, hosted by Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al Baker. Guests included US Ambassador to Qatar Chase Untermeyer.

Geneva State Councillor and Chairman of the Airport Board, François Longchamp and Airport CEO Robert Deillon were among the dignitaries at the welcome ceremony to receive the flight.

The Doha-Geneva-New York (Newark) route is served four-times-a-week with Airbus A330 aircraft in a three-class configuration. On arrival in Geneva, Al Baker said: "I am delighted to see Qatar Airways launch its second route in Switzerland with the addition of Geneva. And as we fly onto New York, Qatar Airways' first American destination, we are giving our passengers from Switzerland a greater choice of destinations to choose from.

"I would like to personally thank the Swiss authorities for granting us the rights to fly to Geneva and beyond to the US. I am sure our new direct route linking Doha with Geneva and onwards to New York will open up excellent opportunities for business and leisure travellers across our network."

^^Geneva !? Is Qatar Airways the only "non-European" airline serving Geneva :? I was there in 2004 and while chatting with a Swiss guy he mentioned that there were no non-european airliners serving GVE at that time. Also, I know Geneva is quite popular as many international boards operating from there but it's a very small city ( pop 400,000 plus ) and Zurich is only 3 hrs away by train.

NEW YORK / DOHA • Qatar Airways and United Airlines on Wednesday announced they are filing a joint application with the US Department of Transportation seeking permission to place their codes on each others' flights.

Under the agreement, Qatar Airways will expand its presence in the US, a market it entered just this week with scheduled flights to New York City using Newark's Liberty International Airport as a gateway.

Pending regulatory approvals, Qatar Airways’ QR flight code on selected services operated by United will give the former access to a number of US cities from Washington DC and on flights from key European gateways to the US, said a release.

As part of the agreement, Qatar Airways will apply its QR flight code on United flights from Washington to more than 50 cities across the US. In addition the QR flight code will be applied on United flights from London Heathrow, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Rome and Munich to either one or all from among Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago.

At a press conference in New York, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Akbar Al Baker said: "I am pleased to announce here that we are looking to expand our operations in America through his very important code-share tie-up with United Airlines. United has an extensive reach across the US domestic market."

He added: "Our passengers traveling from Doha, the Indian subcontinent, Asia and the Middle East will gain online access to an array of US cities via connecting flights operated by United through Washington DC and Europe."

During the press briefing, Al Baker spoke of Qatar Airways' rapid rise to become one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world. He spoke of the airline's recent $16bn order for 80 new Airbus A350 aircraft and the New Doha International Airport (NDIA), being project managed by US-based engineering firm Bechtel. The first phase of the $5.5bn new airport is scheduled to open in 2009.

He also gave the media an insight into the world's first commercial passenger terminal dedicated to First and Business Class passengers, which opened at Doha International Airport at the end of 2006. The Premium Terminal features facilities including a spa, jacuzzi, exclusive duty free shopping, business centre and fine dining restaurants. Built in nine months, the $90m terminal is for exclusive use of Qatar Airways' departing First and Business Class passengers.

United Senior Vice-President of Alliances, International and Regulatory Affairs Michael Whitaker stated: "We are pleased to partner with Qatar Airways to offer our customers service to five new countries as well as expand our current service to the Middle East."

The five new destinations are expected to be Qatar, the Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Chicago-based United operates more than 3,600 flights daily from hubs in Chicago, Washington, Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Since November 2005, members of Qatar Airways' ‘Privilege Club’ frequent flyer programme have been able to redeem ‘Qmiles’ on flights operated by United. Both carriers also have a cargo partnership through which the pair has carried more than 600,000 kg of general freight and in excess of two million kg of mail since early 2006.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/images/July2007/18aiyade.jpg
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker (left) with TV personality Gayle King.


DOHA / New york • The Qatar Airways rounded off its New York launch celebrations yesterday night with a star-studded gala dinner in the country's financial capital.

Celebrities from across the New York social, business and entertainment scene joined Qatar Airways at the launch party, held in The Allen Room - a spectacular venue at the city's Jazz at Lincoln Center, just off Broadway.

Business tycoon Donald Trump, Hollywood stars Andie MacDowell and Julianne Moore, and the US ambassador to the State of Qatar, Chase Untermeyer were among the guests at the lavish red carpet event.

The event attracted a host of celebrities from stage, screen and music - Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Chloe Sevigny, Gayle King, Olivia Chantecaille, CeCe Cord, Tara Subkoff, Stephen and Christine Schwarzman, Allen and Deborah Grubman, Nina Griscom, Dennis Basso, Marjorie Gubelmann, Sloan Lindemann Barnett, Eric Villency and Kimberly Guilfoyle, Anne Dexter Jones, Nina Griscom, Mary McFadden, Rufus Albermarle and Thom Browne.

New York's paparazzi were out in force as guests arrived for a night of entertainment with the sensational Ms Diana Ross performing many of the hit songs from her illustrious career.

A magnificent visual symphony showcasing Qatar Airways' award-winning Five Star service and the sights and sounds of the State of Qatar, kept guests thoroughly enthralled.

Master of ceremonies for the event was actress Andie MacDowell. She introduced the stellar line-up for the evening, including CNN International TV presenter and host of "CNN Business Traveller," Richard Quest, together with host of the night, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who spoke of his pride in finally bringing Qatar Airways and its Five Star service to New York.

The evening ended with a standing ovation for Ms Ross' performance. The event was organised by New York-based celebrity style guru and party planner Colin Cowie.

A connoisseur of style, Cowie's impressive client list includes Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Jennifer Lopez, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Michael Jordan and Hugh Hefner. Quest, who logs in excess of 300,000 air miles each year, spoke lovingly of the way travel has changed, with more and more people able to traverse the globe.

He said: "The addition of Qatar Airways' award-winning service to the United States means that we - the travellers and frequent flyers - all win."

Al Baker spoke of the airline's proud moment as it flew into Newark from Doha on Tuesday night, marking the airline's first flights to the United States.

"Qatar Airways looks forward to growing our international network further in the US as we explore other route opportunities here in the world's largest aviation market. I promise we are here to stay and will further make our mark in the US with our new Washington services next month and more destinations in the pipeline," added Al Baker.

^^^Look how short Mr. Al-Baker is compared to Gayle! :lol:

thanks for pointing it out i did not know he is short !!!! :lol:

:eek2: What a launch party, so many guests!!!

Qatar Airways orders 30 787's Dreamliners!

" Boeing Co. won an order for its 787 Dreamliner planes from Qatar Airways, the biggest customer for competitor Airbus SAS's A350 airliner.The carrier, with a growth rate surpassed only by Emirates in the Arab world, was revealed as a customer during the aircraft's rollout ceremony today with its tail logo presented as a Dreamliner customer"
"Boeing spokesman Jim Condelles confirmed that the Doha-based Qatar has ordered the plane"
"the contract value and size of the order were not disclosed"


:banana:

great news but isnt the a350 almost the same as 787 as in why 787 just add 30 to the a350 to become 110 a350 orders:nuts:

Privilege Club wins 8 'Freddie Awards'

Privilege Club scooped an unprecedented 8 'Freddie Awards' at the prestigious 19th annual FFP industry ceremony held in Arlington, Virginia, USA. This was more than any other airline, and included the ultimate accolade of Programme of the Year - Europe, Middle East & Africa.

Named after the British commercial aviator Freddie Laker, the awards ask frequent travellers to vote for the best frequent travel programmes around the world. Introduced by InsideFlyer magazine, the awards have grown in stature and importance and are now the most prestigious consumer-generated awards in the loyalty industry.

Privilege Club also took the first place award for:

Best Newsletter/Member Communications - Europe/Middle East/Africa
Best Newsletter/Member Communications - Asia Pacific
Best Web Site - Asia Pacific
Best Customer Service - Asia Pacific
Best Customer Service - Europe/Middle East/Africa
Best Award Redemption - Europe/Middle East/Africa
Best Elite Level - Europe/Middle East/Africa

We would like to thank you all for voting for us and for your continued support.

''Welcome to the United States''

The first Qatar airways flight to new york what was it like ???
this is a guy that has been aboard that flight.



When I was applying for a US visit visa to be on board Qatar Airways' maiden flight to New York leaving on June 26 as part of a group of journalists covering the event, a Doha-based fellow scribe who was just back from California, told me that being an Indian I should have no problems getting a visa, but then I should be prepared for "grilling" by Homeland Security at Newark Airport since my middle name was 'Ahmad'.

Having read so much in the newspapers about the Homeland Security Department and about how they sometimes treated Muslims at the US airports, I was a bit nervous, if not scared.

The visa was easy to get from the US embassy here, thanks to the special arrangements Qatar Airways had made to complete the formalities. The consular staff was courteous and I realized that even if someone approached them individually for an entry visa, they would turn down the request, although politely. I was given a media visa which was valid for multiple entries for five years.

However, happy that I was to get a US visa, the initial euphoria vanished as soon as the Qatar Airways' flight landed at Geneva Airport en route to New York.

Two of our journalist colleagues traveling with us from Doha were asked to report for a security check at the airport. One was from Syria, the other from Sudan. "They are not going to allow us into the US," one of them told me as he nervously got up from his seat. "The security check is, perhaps, ordered by the US," he added in nervousness. I consoled him: "Be brave…At the most you won't travel to the US…What else?"

We were to get down at Geneva Airport anyway, to attend a brief ceremony being held in a tent at the tarmac to mark Qatar Airways' inaugural flight to the city. It was drizzling and the weather was beautiful.

Present at the function were Qatar Airways' CEO, Akbar Al Baker, CNN's Richard Quest, the US ambassador to Qatar, Chase Untermeyer and local guests.

After the ceremony was over, we walked to a VIP lounge nearby where we had to undergo a security check before we could re-embark on our journey to New York. But we had to wait for a while for our two colleagues to return. Eventually they did and the plane took off in time.

They told us that it was a routine check. Their luggage was retrieved from the plane and scrutinized.

As we were about two hours away from New York, we were handed forms by Edward Cameron, our group leader from Qatar Airways, to be filled in. They were to be handed to Homeland Security and Customs as we landed at Newark's Liberty International Airport, we were told.

But nervousness returned when additional forms, thick ones at that, with a lot of columns asking for details about family and parents, were handed to our Syrian and Sudanese colleagues to fill in. They didn't know many of the details.

Cameron helped them fill up the form. All of us were visiting the US for the first time, so we were uncertain about what awaited us on arrival in Newark. How much time the security check at the airport was likely to take and how were Homeland Security personnel going to treat us, were the questions crossing our minds.

The plane finally landed and I was the first one to get out into the corridor wearing a Qatar Airways' guest badge. As I moved ahead, a man in a blue uniform politely asked me: "Are you a journalist traveling with Qatar Airways?" I looked at him. He was from Homeland Security. "Yes," I said. "Where are the others?" he asked again. "They will be here in minutes", I replied.

He waited patiently until everyone in the group stood to a side and after Cameron confirmed nobody was left behind, the officer guided us to a small queue. All of us, except our Arab colleagues, were out within minutes. "Welcome to the United States," is what a Homeland Security officer tells you when he stamps your passport. There was no Customs check.

Our Arab colleagues emerged from immigration about half-an-hour later. They said they had to fill in some other forms and undergo routine security drills.

"So, how did they grill you," I asked one of them. "They asked some basic questions and they were very polite," he replied.

We walked out of the airport and were taken to a venue within the airport premises where another Qatar Airways ceremony to mark its inaugural flight was lined up.

"Americans are very friendly people. They are straight and they trust you," was what one of our Arab colleagues told me barely two hours after landing in the US. I had seen him talking to some Americans at the function. "I will be back again on a visit here. Would you like to come with me?" he asked. His initial fears had obviously disappeared.

does anyone have pictures of the food that is served on qatar airways i heard its 5 star serive like they say on sky new!

Qatar Airways’ code-share deal gets US approval

DOHA • The US has given clearance for the code-sharing deal between Qatar Airways and United Airlines, sources confirmed yesterday.

Close on the heels of Qatar Airways launching its flights to the US through Newark and Washington DC, the announcement means the airline can use its QR flight code on selected destinations served by United.

As part of the agreement, Qatar Airways can use the flight code in more than 50 cities across the US.

In addition, the QR flight code will be applied on United flights from London Heathrow, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Rome and Munich to either one or all among Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago.

United is on of the US' major carriers and the sanctioning of the tie-up between the two airlines is expected to further boost Qatar Airways' profile.

:rofl:

HAHAHAHA

look at thiss!!!




A Qatar sheikh held up a British Airways flight at Milan's Linate airport for nearly three hours after discovering three of his female relatives had been seated next to men they did not know.

When none of the other business class passengers agreed to swap seats, the sheikh, a member of Qatar's ruling family, went to the pilot, who had already started the engine, to complain, an airport official said.

A mediation attempt was made but as the sheikh and his travelling companions - the three women, two men, a cook and a servant - refused to sit down, the pilot ordered them off the plane for safety reasons.

The London-bound flight took off nearly three hours behind schedule on Thursday evening and around 50 of the 115 passengers missed connecting flights.

Traditions in the conservative Gulf Arab region bar women from mixing with unrelated men.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=471285&in_page_id=1811&ito=newsnow

LOL!

what the heck 50-115 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Be thankful he didn't kick off on a US flight, an air marshall would have had to take action if he'd approached the cockpit door. What an idiot!

What an idiot! He spoiled our image and reputation as Qataries. Shame on him and his "FEMALE RELATIVES"

Traditions in the conservative Gulf Arab region bar women from mixing with unrelated men.

Bar or Ban? Seems a mistake:D

Bar or Ban? Seems a mistake:D

Its Bar, look it up :D

i also didnt get that part

what a bloody backward idiot, so its ok for him to have 50 wifes but yet when his relatives sit next to a guy it all of a sudden becomes a problem i know what i would do if he asked me to move

what would you do if he asked you to move ????

what would you do if he asked you to move ????

punch him right in the face and tell him his wifes are ugly as him !:rofl:

WHY DOES EVERYBODY CONSIDER HIS RELATIVES HIS WIFES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ITS A 70% NO , btw i am happy to say that your going to jail for that

Well, it seems like he wasn't really asking in a polite manner. Otherwise people wouldn't have just refused.

maybe he didnt even ask just ordered !!!

He should have made seat reservation in advance .

WHY DOES EVERYBODY CONSIDER HIS RELATIVES HIS WIFES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ITS A 70% NO , btw i am happy to say that your going to jail for that

who else can they be, im just stating the obvoius!

they can be his SISTERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Qatar Airways First Class is best in world

DOHA • Qatar Airways has once again been honoured in the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards with three accolades in this year's survey, including being named as having the ‘Best First Class’ in the world.

The airline secured the ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ award for the second year running, while cabin crew once again won top honours as ‘Best in the Middle East’ for the fifth year running, said a release.

Qatar Airways also saw its global ranking rise to be named among the top five airlines in the world in the annual survey of almost 15m international travellers spread across 90 nationalities. The airline's global ranking rose to 4th position. The elite top five group features airlines from the service-oriented Far East.

Earlier this year, Qatar Airways held onto Skytrax's ‘Five Star’ award for excellence and service quality.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al Baker said he was honoured to see such prestigious awards bestowed on the airline.

"We have come a long way since we launched our airline just 10 years ago and these awards clearly demonstrate that Qatar Airways is firmly in the top league of international airlines.

"I would like to thank the staff at Qatar Airways around the world for their tremendous dedication and commitment to the job they do so well. Our cabin crew have once again proved that they have what it takes to deliver the best levels of service in the skies.

"Passengers have voted with their feet and I would like to thank them for taking the time to take part in the survey. Qatar Airways strives to be the best and it is only a matter of time before we walk away with the top award - ‘Best Airline in the World’."

Qatar Airways' First Class product includes a 180 degree flat bed onboard its long-range Airbus A330s and A340s, while the latter aircraft also features a unique First Class lounge for passengers to relax and unwind at 35,000 feet.

In November 2006, Qatar Airways opened the world's first passenger building dedicated to its First and Business Class passengers at Doha International Airport.

The $90m Premium Terminal features exclusive check-in, duty-free shopping, fine dining, spa treatments, games room, business centre and medical room.

The award for cabin crew was based on a number of criteria, including professionalism of staff in handling passengers, efficiency, problem-solving, enthusiasm, friendliness and appearance.

Skytrax Chief Executive Edward Plaisted said the 2007 survey was the longest and biggest ever featuring the most number of respondents in interviews conducted between August 2006 and June this year.

The awards are recognised around the world and are renowned for being the only truly global, independent passenger survey.

"All-round excellence is the most accurate description of a good First Class service, and with customers paying very high fares for this privilege, airlines know that to retain loyalty they have to exceed every level of expectation of creating the feel-good factor and making the customer feel special," said Plaisted.

"This year we have seen a jump into the top spot by Qatar Airways and this is clear recognition of their new Premium Terminal facilities at the home base airport in Doha, geared totally towards premium customers."

Qatar Airways to take two more Airbus ACJs

Qatar Airways has placed a commitment for two Airbus Corporate Jetliners (ACJs), adding to the three Airbus ACJ Family aircraft that it already operates.

The new deal also takes this year's sales of the Airbus ACJ Family (excluding widebodies) to 19 - almost as many as the 20 sold in the whole of last year - highlighting its leadership of the upper end of the top-of-the-line corporate jet market.

It has yet to announce which engines will power its latest Airbus ACJs.

"Having operated thee Airbus ACJs for a while, we are delighted to add two more aircraft in support of our VVIP operations," says Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al-Baker. "We strive to achieve success in both our VVIP and airline operations, and having modern and attractive aircraft such as the Airbus ACJs helps us to achieve our goal."

Qatar Airways was the first airline to order the Airbus ACJ. It is also a major customer for Airbus airliners, having recently placed a major order for 80 of the new A350XWB point-to-point aircraft and an additional order for three hub-to-hub A380s.

"To deliver an attractive, efficient and environmentally friendly service to your customers - whether they are VVIPs or ordinary passengers - you need a new aircraft family such as ours, which is the most modern that money can buy," says Airbus President and CEO Louis Gallois. "Qatar Airways was quick to recognise the benefits of a modern Airbus fleet, and we are glad to be a part of its success."

All of the Airbus aircraft flown, and ordered, by Qatar Airways feature a common cockpit, saving costs by reducing training time, and making it easier and more intuitive for pilots to move from one aircraft to another during their career.

Every Airbus passenger aircraft in production today also features intrinsically modern designs, using the latest aerodynamic shapes, the newest materials, and the most up to date engines and systems to deliver widespread benefits in passenger comfort, airline economics and reliability and lower noise and emissions.

In addition to offering corporate and airline customers the most modern aircraft family, Airbus also offers the widest range of aircraft sizes, from 100 seaters all the way up to 525 seaters.

Airbus is an EADS company.

Does any body know what there talking about ????

^^^They ordered 2 more A319 Corporate Jets in the Paris Air Show. Nothing new here.

does any one have a picture of that ????

i found this on airbus website and i have to say this picture is panoramic !!!

http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/2544/qatarairwaysa380gf5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Looks great its nice to see Qatar airways buy 5 of them i hope they expand from 5 to 10 soon lol


http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9097/a380cs5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Qatar Airways Cargo gets third freighter

I am sure that omar will comment on the Car lool

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/images/September2007/2qatarai.jpg
aA Qatar Airways cargo jet taking on freight.

doha • Qatar Airways Cargo yesterday announced the introduction of a third aircraft into its freighter fleet and the launch of seven new cargo-only destinations.

The Airbus A300-600F took to the skies following its conversion from a passenger to a cargo aircraft. Earlier this year, Qatar Airways Cargo introduced its second freighter as part of a long-term strategy to develop an international network of cargo flights, an airline release said.

With the addition of the third freighter, Qatar Airways Cargo has increased the number of destinations it serves worldwide from nine to 16 cities. During the past six months alone, the freighter network has been transformed with new destinations and a new-look cargo warehouse at Doha International Airport.

The new destinations are Algiers, Tunis, Milan, Istanbul, Karachi, Colombo and Johor Bahru in Malaysia. They supplement other destinations already on the network - Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Khartoum, Dubai, Nairobi, Bangalore, Chennai, Lahore and Dhaka.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al Baker said that cargo represented a vital component of the airline's global operations. “We have a clear strategy to develop our passenger side of the business to key business and leisure destinations worldwide. Similarly, we are building our cargo operation to key markets around the world using Doha as a key hub,” he said.

“We will, over the next two years, increase our cargo operations further as more A300 freighters are introduced and the first of our two new Boeing 777 freighters are delivered. These are scheduled for delivery from summer 2009.”

Qatar Airways General Manager (Cargo) John Batten stated: “With the addition of the new cargo aircraft and more destinations, Qatar Airways is able to offer cargo agents and freight forwarders a wider choice of cities for their shipments.”

To cope with the increase in business arising from the rapid expansion of Qatar Airways' fleet, the cargo division has expanded its warehouse facilities. The 40 per cent increase in space includes a new import and export warehouse, cold storage and freezer facilities. Qatar Airways Cargo recently relocated its operational offices to the airport.

I never knew we have an amiri 747 this picture has been shot in aughast !!!!

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/photos/middle/2/0/7/1253702.jpg

^^ Its Sheik Khalifa's private plane, a 747SP

he has an airplane ?

COOL good for him but why is it always found in europe ? btw the paint quality is bad its not painted nicely there should be STATE OF QATAR on it and less maroon its to much

^ because its from the 90s ?

and it still flys......loooool

if its from the 90s why cant they just re paint it as easy as that !

Qatar Airways to begin Stockholm flights


DOHA • Qatar Airways is preparing for its second European route of the year with non-stop scheduled flights to the Swedish capital, Stockholm, which will be the carrier's first gateway city to Scandinavia.

Beginning November 27, Qatar Airways will operate four non-stop flights a week between Doha and Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport, a release said yesterday.

The carrier will use an Airbus A319 aircraft on the route, with a two-class configuration offering eight seats in Business Class and 102 seats in Economy.

With the launch of flights to Stockholm, Qatar Airways will be adding its second European destination to its network this year following on from the launch in June of flights between Doha and Geneva.

With highly-developed firms in the construction, environmental technology and telecommunications sectors, there are already significant business tie-ups between Qatar and Sweden, and indeed, the entire Scandinavian region.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al Baker said the addition of Stockholm reinforced the airline's strategy to serve key cities around the world. "We are proud to be the first carrier from the Gulf region to be flying to Stockholm. With this route launch we will be able to serve the entire Scandinavian market and vice-versa bringing visitors from key feeder markets of the GCC countries to the Scandinavian countries," he said.

Stockholm will be Qatar Airways' 80th destination.

Effective November 27, Flight QR089 will depart Doha at 1.05 pm on Mondays and Fridays while QR091 will depart Doha for Stockholm at 2.10 am on Tuesdays and Saturdays. QR089 will arrive in Stockholm at 6 pm on the two days the flight operates while on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while QR091 will land in Stockholm at 7.05 am.

As for the return flights, QR090 will leave Stockholm at 10.05 pm on Mondays and Fridays and land here at 6 am. QR092 will leave Stockholm on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11.05 am and arrive here at 7 pm, said the release.

Qatar Airways’ A330-200 to ply on Doha-Algiers route


DOHA • Qatar Airways has upgraded the aircraft plying the Doha-Algiers route to an Airbus A330-200 from the earlier Airbus A300. All four weekly services between Doha and the Algerian capital are now served with the long-range aircraft non-stop.

The Airbus A300 is gradually being phased out of the airline's fleet. The A330-200 features 24 First Class seats and 236 in Economy, adding up to 53 more seats than the A300.

The airline is offering passengers in every seat with a fully-interactive audio and video entertainment system, a release said yesterday.

Qatar Airways launched flights to Algeria in May 2005 with three flights a week linked with the Tunisian capital, Tunis, but progressively increased capacity to the current frequency of four weekly services, now all non-stop from Doha.

The airline offers passengers a choice of more than 80 international movies, 70 TV shows and 16 music channels, as well as more than 300 music CDs from popular and classical artistes onboard its A330s.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al Baker said the airline currently operated 28 A330s - the backbone of its 58-strong fleet of aircraft. "The A330 has done us proud as a great flying machine offering all passengers the greatest levels of comfort," he said.

"I am sure our passengers flying to Algiers will have a whole new in-flight experience with a fully-interactive entertainment system offering plenty of audio and video options. Our Algiers flights have performed exceptionally well since we launched the route in 2005. We have gradually increased capacity on the route with an additional flight, de-linked the route from Tunis and, now, put on a bigger aircraft offering more seating capacity."

Due to the expansion, Qatar Airways has increased staffing levels from 16 to 25 in Algeria, the CEO said.

guys Congrats we finally got the first boeing aircraft

A 777 Qatar Airways !!!!!!!!!

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/7367/1289091of7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

to confirm my previouse post here is the latest news :banana: Congrats :D

Lucky number 777

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/images/November2007/302qataa.jpg

Qatar Airways’ first Boeing 777 aircraft is seen flying over the Marriott Hotel before landing at Doha International Airport yesterday. (Abdul Basit)

doha • Qatar Airways took delivery of its first Boeing aircraft yesterday to diversify its fast-expanding fleet as part of an ambitious expansion strategy into the next decade.

This was the first of the 32 Boeing 777 aircraft Qatar’s national carrier wants to acquire. The aircraft arrived at Doha International Airport following a long flight from Seattle. Onboard were members of the airline’s management, senior Boeing executives and US media personnel.

The arrival of the Boeing 777-300 Extended Range passenger aircraft was greeted with a traditional water salute ceremony followed by a news briefing by Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, and Boeing Vice-President (Sales for the Middle East), Lee Monson.

The Qatar Airways CEO said: The arrival of the first Boeing 777 in the airline’s colours marked the start of what promised to be a long and fruitful relationship with one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers. This year has been an historic one for Qatar Airways for many reasons.

“Qatar Airways launched flights to the United States for the first time during 2007 with scheduled flights to New York and Washington, we placed orders for 92 Boeing aircraft comprising the 787s and 777s and are proud and delighted to see the first of our Boeing planes arrive in Doha today in what is our 10th year of operations.

“With a capability of flying 16 hours non-stop, the Boeing 777 truly does provide Qatar Airways with global coverage, linking Doha with any city worldwide.” The plane will be deployed on the Doha-Washington sector by January next year.

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Sorry 1 more article that i just found :D

Qatar Airways’ Boeing jet has all the comforts

Doha • Qatar Airways yesterday said that the 335-seater Boeing 777-300 Extended Range passenger aircraft features 42 seats in Business Class in a 2–2–2 configuration, each offering a generous pitch of 78 inches and individual TV screens measuring 15.4 inches. Economy Class has 293 seats in a 3–3–3 configuration with a 32-inch pitch and 10.6-inch TV screens.

The aircraft also features a revamped in-flight entertainment system, Oryx Entertainment, offering each passenger more than 700 entertainment options.

Qatar Airways has confirmed orders for 14 Boeing 777-300ERs, six 777-200LRs and seven 777-200Fs, with deliveries running until mid-2010. There are options for a further five Boeing 777 aircraft. The two passenger Boeing 777 variants will facilitate a major expansion in the airline’s long-haul passenger network.

The Boeing 777-200 freighters, which will be delivered from 2009, provide outstanding economics enabling the national airline to build up an efficient cargo hub linking Europe and Asia, supplemented by its regional wide-body freighters.

Earlier this month, Qatar Airways strengthened its relationship with Boeing by confirming orders for 30 of the company’s next-generation Boeing 787 aircraft with options for a further 30. The airline will become the first Middle East carrier to operate both Boeing 777s and Boeing 787s.

Akbar Al Baker said: “The Boeing 777s offer the greatest levels of space and comfort across our long-haul fleet. With a 78-inch Business Class pitch, our 42 premium seats are undoubtedly the best in the region. And our 293 seats in Economy offer the greatest levels of comfort in this cabin than any other airline in the region.”

Al Baker added: “But it’s not all about seat comfort and space. Hospitality and the highest standards of service are our hallmark at Qatar Airways. We are delighted to be among a select-few airlines in the world to introduce the next generation in-flight entertainment systems – the Panasonic eX2 – onboard our Boeing 777s.

“With more than 700 audio and video entertainment options, we have an unrivalled selection for passengers to choose from. More than 150 international movies, over 50 games and hundreds of hours of video and audio programming – this clearly is a ‘Multiplex in the Sky’.”

Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of 59 aircraft to 80 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Far East and North America.

Passengers will have ample opportunity to watch the entire collection as it will be available onboard throughout 2008.

Qatar Airways has also introduced a new entertainment section called Discover More featuring short, fun, trivia guides of How To…where passengers can learn, for example, how to tie a bow tie; how to pull a tablecloth from under a dinner service; how to eat sushi; how to remember people's names; how to perform the perfect golf swing – and even how to cut a mango!

Qatar Airways now goes local

Doha • Qatar Airways is looking at the possible acquisition of 100-seater aircraft to ply on intra-Gulf routes, thereby allowing the larger aircraft in use to operate to other destinations.

The airline is believed to be considering aircraft manufactured by Mitsubishi, Bombardier of Canada and Embraer of Brazil for delivery possibly as early as 2013. The routes to other destinations in the Gulf out of Doha have been a relative money-spinner for the airline due to holidaymakers and business travellers, particularly to destinations like Dubai. Inducting smaller aircraft would also allow for increased frequencies between here and other points in the Gulf, according to sources.

With a GCC common market due to come into being, there will be a lot of passenger traffic between member states as citizens can work and reside where they please in the region.

Airline CEO Akbar Al Baker has consistently ruled out any possibility of starting up a low-cost airline. So, getting smaller aircraft and increasing frequencies would make business sense.

A total of 20 of the smaller aircraft is likely to be ordered, 10 confirmed and an additional 10 on option. The Embraer E-Jet series is one of the candidates that may be selected. The twin-engine aircraft entered production in 2002 and has a solid order book indicating its popularity, especially among commuter airlines. The price range for these aircraft is $27m to $35m apiece.

The Bombardier CSeries caters to the 100 to 149-seater market and is slated for launch next year. The manufacturer's marketing strategy sees the aircraft as a perfect fit for buyers looking to the long-term from 2013 and beyond.

The Mitsubishi MRJ class of aircraft can seat 70 to 96 passengers and its programne is expected to take off from next year.

Clearly, these are all long-term projects, barring Embraer. Qatar Airways currently has its hands full with 140 wide-body jets on order, including the mammoth Airbus A380. The first of its Boeing 777s was recently inducted into the fleet while the 787 and Airbus A350s are expected to down the line.

While the airline embarked on a massive expansion destination-wise this year, next year will see a relative lull with the airline opting to increase frequencies on select routes rather than expand for expansion's sake. Houston, however, will be added to the route map along with another "long-haul destination", a source said.

Once the 787 arrives, the A330s and the A340s are expected to be phased out. These, along with the A320, could well be leased through the airline's leasing arm, Oryx Leasing.

Qatar Airways gets second Boeing 777-300ER aircraft

DOHA • Qatar Airways has recently taken delivery of its second Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, adding to the first one inducted into the fleet on November 29.

The Boeing 777s are currently operating on routes in the GCC region but from next month, will be flying to Washington's Dulles International Airport , a distance that is covered in 14 hours non-stop.

The airline's third 777 will be delivered next summer. Qatar Airways will have 32 of the aircraft in total, including freighters.

A Qatar Airways official told The Peninsula: "We have not had a problem with crew for manning the aircraft.

Many of our pilots already had been trained on the Boeings and it was a matter of a refresher course.

As for cabin crew, several have joined us from airlines which operate Boeing 777s, so there was no difficulty at all for them in adapting to the aircraft."

Earlier, the airline depended on an all-Airbus fleet and has acquired Boeings to add diversity. The Boeing 777 can accommodate 335 passengers with 42 in Business Class in a 2-2-2 seating configuration while Economy Class has 293 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.

The aircraft has no First Class and there are no plans - at least now-to do the necessary refitting to have such a section.

Meanwhile, the airline would not comment further on the decision to yank flights from the Doha-Yangon route with effect from January 9 next year.

An official would only say the decision was taken on commercial grounds. "However, that does not mean it will not be reintroduced at a later date," he said.

Kingfisher Airlines (India) is now a ***** airline!

^^ my friend that dosent have anything to do with the topic..... Qatar Airways !!!!

NO BODY SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT THIS THREAD ! all the stuff posted is by me !

Kingfisher Airlines (India) is now a ***** airline!

Congrats! Yeah I heard, and they are truly excellent! Kingfisher is joining the five star club with QR!

does anybody have a pictorial guided tour of any flight from doha to any destination or vice versa? any pics of airport facilities in doha, boarding, checking, leisure etc?

I ask because the user "hkskyline" made many guided tours under the title "flying the world: Y - Z" for many flights.

Has Qatar Airways lost it's 5* airline award, as it appears to have disappeared from recent adverts and sponserships?

When will Qatar Airways start domestic service ? Doha to a town in the West coast of Qatar, possible ?

Whaaaatttttt.........it lost its 5* awarddd..............no i didn'tttt

http://www.airlinequality.com/StarRanking/5star.htm

^^ its there, what do you mean ?

Maybe they were just updating it.;)

Thursday Apr 10

“The extra flights mark our continued efforts to support the extended 'Visit Malaysia Year”

QATAR Airways will increase its frequency by three flights on the Kuala Lumpur-Doha route from June to August this year to meet the rising demand for seats between the Middle East and Malaysia. via The Straits Times

I heard that QR is going to be flying to Houston..... i was thinking it would have been better if they went towards Australia

^^What's better is that QR will have more destinations.

Yesterday's news: (from www.ameinfo.com)

Qatar Airways future expansion tops 200 aircraft orders worth over $30bn

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker today spoke of the airline’s aggressive expansion plans over the next few years highlighting orders for more than 200 aircraft worth over $30bn.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy in line with the country’s dynamic economic boom where huge infrastructure development projects are fuelling the growth.

Addressing international media at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle East’s leading travel trade show being held in Dubai this week, Al Baker said the airline’s aircraft orders would help facilitate the country’s economic drive forward and turn Qatar into both a leading regional and global aviation hub.

He said a new wave of aircraft deliveries begins this summer with Qatar Airways’ third Boeing 777 joining the carrier’s 62-strong fleet.

From November this year, Qatar Airways takes delivery of the first of its Long Range Boeing 777-200 aircraft capable of flying to virtually any key city in the world non-stop from Doha. The first Boeing 777-200 will be introduced on the Doha – Houston route from November 10 with a non-stop flying time of 17 hours.

With impressive outstanding orders, including 80 of Airbus’ new-generation A350s, five twin-deck A380s, 60 of Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777s, Qatar Airways’ fleet expansion will take it well into the next decade.

A brand new international airport under construction in Doha will help facilitate the growth with the first phase slated to open in 2010.

Al Baker explained that Qatar Airways’ young fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, which have an average age of just three years, will grow significantly to 70 by the end of 2008, rising further to 110 within five years. And he said that the number of global destinations in Qatar Airways’ international network, which currently stands at 82, will rise sharply over the next few years.

“Our vision at Qatar Airways is simple – to invest in, and maintain, a growing fleet of young and modern aircraft flying to key business and leisure destinations worldwide,” he said.

“Our long range Boeing 777s will open up tremendous new opportunities for us from the end of 2008 with the aircraft capable of flying to all corners of the globe non-stop and provide our customers with a unique flying experience and ultimate levels of comfort. '



“Qatar’s strategic and geographical location in the heart of the Middle East presents us with excellent opportunities – but more importantly, give the travelling public from the region and around the world excellent connections via our Doha hub.”

Added Al Baker: “The new generation Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s will create even more opportunities, opening up new medium- and long-haul routes with greater operational efficiency.”

Qatar Airways currently has a diverse network of cities it serves across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Far East and North America.

Al Baker highlighted this year’s route expansion to include three new destinations. Having launched scheduled flights from Doha to the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou at the end of March – with a fifth weekly frequency introduced only last week – Qatar Airways now operates 21 services a week across China, covering also Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Beginning June 15, Qatar Airways launches daily services between Doha and the south-west Indian coastal city of Kozhikode (formerly known as Calicut). Kozhikode will be the airline’s ninth Indian destination taking capacity across India to 58 weekly services.

And starting November 10, Qatar Airways launches its third US destination with direct non-stop flights to Houston, initially with three services a week, rising to daily in December 2008.

“This year, Qatar Airways is celebrating three exciting route launches of Guangzhou, Kozhikode and Houston, together with increased frequencies on many existing routes to give our passengers greater choice,” said Al Baker.

He also updated the media on progress of the New Doha International Airport. Reclamation work on the multi-billion dollar project has been completed as 60% of the site is built on land dredged from the sea. Both runways are taking shape and terminal infrastructure is well under construction. The airport is due to open in 2010 with an initial capacity of 24 million passengers a year, rising to 50 million during the final development phase from 2015 onwards.

Qatar Airways is having its biggest ever presence at ATM this year, promoting a new corporate look and featuring a brand new exhibition stand, which includes a model of the New Doha International Airport and its long-haul First Class seat.

Entertainment promoting Qatar Airways’ three new routes for 2008 features prominently on the airline’s exhibition stand throughout the four-day show taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

http://www.ameinfo.com/155943.html

^^ thanks for posting that i tried to pos the same article from the peninsula but the forum wasnt working properly....

^^Yes, yesterday it wasn't working, but wikipedia is waiting to be updated:D

^^ :D hmm that seems exciting wikipedia really needs to be updated by us members quite more often...

Qatar Airways plans low-cost carrier


(MENAFN - Arab News) Qatar Airways is likely to launch a low-cost carrier with better services than the existing low frills carriers in the Middle East, the CEO Akbar Al-Baker said yesterday.

Al-Baker, who has had opposed such a model for Qatar Airways in the past, yesterday categorically said that airline was capable to roll out such service in 90 days.

"We are watching the market trends very closely and if Qatar Airways feels that low-cost carriers are undermining the revenue base of Qatar Airways this can happen in three months. Though we don't believe in this type of business but Qatar Airways will be able to deliver such service depends upon the market."

Talking about the airline's expansion strategy he said that the airline would continue to enhance it network. "We are increasing flights to Bahrain from 42 per week to 47 as part of our strategy."

He said that $500 million infrastructure development at Qatar Airport would help to accommodate the airline's growing needs on the ground.

"Qatar Airways will achieve the ambitious target of 35 percent annual growth for next three years through additional aircraft and more destinations to be covered by the carrier."

Talking about the $15 billion new Doha International Airport he said that the multi-billion dollar project has been completed as 60 percent of the site is built on land dredged from the sea. Both runways are taking shape and terminal infrastructure is well under construction. The airport is due to open in 2010 with an initial capacity of 24 million passengers a year, rising to 50 million during the final development phase from 2015 onward.

Qatar Airways, with an outstanding aircraft order of $30 billion, is set to become the world's best airline by 2011 when the airline is projected to make a profit.

Al Baker said the Qatar Airways would go for an initial public offering (IPO) after achieving profitability for consecutive three years.

"We will launch an IPO after three years of profitability and are looking at offering 49 percent ownership to investors.

Al Baker, who was joined by Abdul Qadir Aziz, regional manager, Bahrain and UAE, said: "We are looking at 2010 or 2011 to achieve profitability, and within three years we will go for an IPO. Qatar Airways has so far invested over $12.5 billion since its inception."

Qatar Airways to acquire four Airbus A321s

Qatar Airways, the national airline of Qatar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of four Airbus A321 aircraft.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/1/61131-airbus_qatar_airways.jpg
A320.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony at the 46th Farnborough International Airshow by Qatar Airway's Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, and Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders.

'Concluding this deal with Airbus for the additional A321 aircraft will further assist Qatar Airways in the rapid development of its regional network,' said Mr Al Baker.

'Qatar Airways' young and fuel efficient fleet of Airbus A320 family of aircraft continues to support the airline's dramatic growth at a time when the airline industry as a whole is struggling with the impact of prevailing high fuel prices,' he added.

The Doha-based airline's current in-service fleet consists of a total of 19 A320 Family variants, one A300-600R, three A300-600 freighters, 31 A330s, and four A340-600s.

'Qatar Airways' attention to passenger service is legendary, so we are delighted to have it as a customer for the A321,' says Tom Enders. 'We take great pride in our partnership with Qatar Airways which dates back to its inception in 1992. Qatar Airways is a world class airline and our partnership grows with these new aircraft order.'

Qatar Airways is one of the world's leading airlines, with a fleet that comprises aircraft from the A320, A300/A310 and A330/A340 families including the ACJ corporate jet. Qatar Airways is also a customer for the 21st Century flagship, the A380 and is the largest customer for the A350 XWB.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. Around 6,200 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 3,500 delivered to some 280 customers and operators worldwide, making it the worlds best selling commercial jetliner ever.

With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world wide standard wide-body system.

Airbus is an EADS company.

QR shud start direct Doha-Penang & Doha-Phuket .

Qatar Airways on top 10 list

QATAR Airways is among the world’s 10 best airlines now as the national carrier flies ahead of Emirates airline and Etihad Airways to secure seventh rank in the prestigious Skytrax awards.
Dubai’s Emirates got ninth and Etihad tenth rank in the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards, Bloomberg reported yesterday.
Skytrax which decided the awards is a reputed independent aviation industry monitoring agency.
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and recognised among an elite group of only six carriers with a ‘Five Star’ ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax.
The airline’s cabin crew has been voted ‘Best in the Middle East’ for the fifth year running in 2007 by Skytrax following a survey of more than 15mn passengers worldwide.
Qatar’s flagbearer is rapidly expanding and will operate a fleet of some 110 aircraft by 2013 –- almost double the existing size.
In 2007, Qatar Airways ordered 80 Airbus A350s, together with 60 Boeing 787s and 32 Boeing 777s. The airline has ordered five of the twin-deck Airbus A380 ‘super jumbos’ scheduled for delivery from 2010.
Singapore Airlines was named as the best carrier in Skytrax’s World Airline Awards, edging out Cathay Pacific Airways.
The Singaporean carrier also won the best business-class award, Skytrax said in a statement on its website. Cathay Pacific won for best first-class cabin, with Asiana Airlines taking the economy-class prize.
Continental Airlines was named as best North American carrier, with Lufthansa winning the European title.
The awards were based on over 15mn interviews with travellers worldwide spread over 11 months, Skytrax said.
The other airlines that have figured in the top 10 Skytrax list are Qantas Airways, Thai Airways International, Asiana Airlines, Malaysian Airlines and Air New Zealand.

One thing to note, the food has improved in Economy class quite substantially. I actually enjoyed the fish pie I had on a recent flight to London.

Aren't the SkyTrax awards voted for by business and first passengers? This would make sense as economy is not great.

I have a friend who flew back to London recently and an arabic man was smoking all the way back and the air stewards did nothing to stop him. Fortunately he was arrested at Heathrow.

^^ great news about the arrest looooooooool what an idiot

Malaysia Airlines is right above Qatar Airways in that survey :naughty:

Qatar Airways plans low-cost carrier


(MENAFN - Arab News) Qatar Airways is likely to launch a low-cost carrier with better services than the existing low frills carriers in the Middle East, the CEO Akbar Al-Baker said yesterday.

Al-Baker, who has had opposed such a model for Qatar Airways in the past, yesterday categorically said that airline was capable to roll out such service in 90 days.



And the name will be... FlyDoha ? I hope not. So this low-cost carrier will operate to new destinations or will compete with existing QR network ?

^^ lol its cool man aslong as were in the top 10 i dont mind.... but the question is will the other not mind either ? ( to post 480)


well skyprince i r=think i red somewhere that it was going to be regional ? aka middle east/Gulf.. but not sure about that one....

Does the A320s and A321s have personal IFE on every seat?

Opps, forgot to post this a few days ago

Qatar Airways to expand Far East operations
Web posted at: 9/24/2008 3:12:2
Source ::: The Peninsula

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/images/September2008/2qasar.jpg
Qatar Airways Senior Vice-President Commercial East Asia and South West Pacific Marwan Koleilat; JATA Chairman Akira Kanai; Qatar Airways Regional Manager Pacific Rim Jared Lee and Qatar Airways Senior Manager Marketing Colin Neubronner.

doha • Qatar Airways is planning to further expand its operations in the Far East as it continues to follow a growth pattern in terms of route expansion and acquisition of aircraft.

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO, said: "With over 200 aircraft scheduled for delivery from now until well into the next decade, the airline is in a formidable position to continue its unprecedented growth, especially in the key Asian markets of Japan and China. Our aggressive expansion programme will see Qatar Airways continue to open new routes in this region and build on our network of destinations." he said.

Qatar Airways currently operates daily flights from Kansai International Airport in Osaka, as well as code-share flights to Haneda Airport in Tokyo. The airline is believed to have received permission to fly daily to Tokyo's main airport, Narita, from 2010, after an agreement between Qatari and Japanese officials. The number of flights to Kansai is also expected to be upped to 14 times a week.

The route between Doha and Osaka was launched in April 2005, initially with a four flights per week frequency, which was increased to a daily service in March last year. Currently, Osaka is serviced using Airbus A330 aircraft with 24 Business Class seats and up to 259 Economy Class seats.

The airline last week made its fifth appearance at the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) World Travel Fair held in Tokyo, one of the largest travel trade shows in Asia. The exhibition, which concluded on Sunday, saw more than 100,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors from 134 countries.

In Tokyo for the event, Marwan Koleilat, Qatar Airways Senior Vice-President (Commercial Operations), East Asia and Southwest Pacific, said JATA proved to be a great opportunity for foreign companies to mix with the local travel trade and promote their products and services.

"More than 80 percent of the total business on our Osaka route comes out of Japan, so local traffic is obviously a vitally important part of our market and our growth strategy," he said.

The airline's JATA display highlighted Qatar Airways' new corporate look, rolled out earlier this year. The airline's 72 square metre stand featured two operating Business Class seats which visitors could test for themselves.

=The Peninsula (http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=local_news&month=september2008&file=local_news200809243122.xml)=

Flights to Houston has been delayed till February 09.

Uganda: Qatar Airways to Begin Flights to Entebbe

The Monitor (http://www.monitor.co.ug/) (Kampala)
16 September 2008
Posted to the web 16 September 2008

Walter Wafula
Kampala

Qatar Airways, the national airline of Qatar, a petrodollar-rich Middle East state, has announced plans to fly to Entebbe, hoping to tap into increasing demand for air transport by people doing business between Uganda and Asia.

The move, expected to give Ugandan travellers a chance to experience five-star rated airline services will test the level of traveller loyalty to Emirates Airline, the other only Middle East-based airline that flies toUganda.

Qatar Airways is one of the six airlines in the world with a five-star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the world's independent aviation industry monitoring agency. The others which were selected by nationals from 95 countries include: Cathy Pacific; Singapore Airlines; Kingfisher Airline; and Asiana Airlines.

While none of these flies to East Africa, Qatar's main competitor will be Emirates Airlines which dominates the route.

While addressing managers of several travel agents in Uganda on September 10, Ms Judy Gow, the sales development manager for eastern and southern Africa, said Qatar Airways has already made the first step which will lead them to starting their operations in Uganda, between 2009 and 2010.

"The Uganda and Qatar governments have already signed bilateral agreements allowing Qatar to land at Entebbe International Airport. What's remaining is for us to make a commercial decision as to when we start operations," she said.

According to her, Qatar Airways is moving into Uganda because of increasing demand for airline services to destinations such as China and India. The two countries are the biggest trading partners of Africa andUganda in particular.

Ms Gow said each time she has come to Uganda, she has seen the graph of travellers rise. "We are looking at Uganda becoming a hub for East and Central Africa. So coming online can only be better," she said. Statistics from Uganda's Civil Aviation Authority mid this year indicated that annual passenger traffic has risen to over 720,000 this year, from 475,606 in 2004 with majority 68 per cent being international travellers.

Qatar is currently in partnership with Air Uganda, to facilitate the movement of travellers, to Asia aboard its airplanes, by connecting to their destinations through Nairobi, Kenya. Last year,Qatar also added Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, to its destinations and is equally eyeing Angola.

Ms Gow's comment also cements some business investors' beliefs that Uganda is the future hub of the East African bloc.

Qatar Airways which is also rated as the best Middle East carrier, flies to 82 destinations including, France, Germany, China, United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia and India. In Africa,Qatar flies to Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and Kenya. In Africa, Qatar's main competitors include, Emirates Airlines, KLM, British Airways, Kenya Airways and Brussels Airline.

Mr Albert Ofong, the operations manager of Travel World International, said Qatar is a very new destination with a great business potential for Ugandans.

Allafrica.com (http://allafrica.com/stories/200809160664.html)

Flights to Houston has been delayed till February 09.

Did u read this is airliners.net?

^^Well, there was a forum who posted a few source, here's one i know:

http://qatartohouston.com/

Also i saw it at wikipedia.

Service to New York on schedule, says airline
QATAR Airways remains on schedule to launch daily non-stop flights between Doha and New York on October 26 despite a strike at Boeing Company affecting aircraft deliveries, the national carrier said yesterday.
The airline has been assured by the company that its fourth Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft will be delivered in time for the New York operational schedule.
The aircraft is to be paired with another Boeing 777, which arrived in Doha at the end of August, to begin the daily non-stop service linking the Qatari capital with New York’s JFK International Airport.
“Qatar Airways’ existing New York operation has proved very successful since its launch in 2007 and we look forward to offering our customers an enhanced service to and from one of the world’s most important cities by switching the flights from Newark to JFK,” Chief Executive Officer Akbar al-Baker said.

Gulf Times (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/newreply.php?do=postreply&t=209338)


NOO!:bash::bash::bash: (the article down)

Houston, we still have a problem
Web posted at: 10/9/2008 4:20:21
Source ::: The Peninsula /By RABIN GUPTA

DOHA • Qatar Airways has deferred its inaugural flight to Houston for a second time on account of shortage of aircraft, further aggravated by the ongoing strike at plane manufacturer Boeing. The airline has now shifted the launch date to March 30 next year.

The airline had initially proposed to fly to the city in Texas on November 10 then put it off until December 10. The Boeing strike meant aircraft deliveries to the national carrier have been delayed, with one Boeing 777-200 Long Range (LR) earmarked for Qatar Airways still on the assembly line. The Houston sector is to be served using the LR aircraft, best-suited to handle the 17-hour-long trip to George Bush International Airport. The airline has 777s on its roster, but these are the Extended Range (ER) variant, not suitable for long-haul flights.

The first of the LR aircraft to be used on the route was due to be delivered in November ahead of the scheduled December 8 Houston launch. But due to uncertainty over future aircraft deliveries arising from the Boeing machinists' strike, the airline felt it best to defer the launch.

A disappointed Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO, said the strike had "severely affected" the airline's Houston plans. "There is no possibility of being able to operate the Houston route as planned due to the unfortunate events at Boeing so we decided to shift the launch date to a more reasonable time in March next year. This way, we can be assured of having available the required long-range aircraft to serve Houston," he said.

"We are committed to serving Houston and have worked tirelessly over the past few months, injecting tremendous effort and energy in preparing for a December launch. We are taking all steps necessary to contact passengers who have booked tickets to and from Houston and will assist them with making alternative travel arrangements," Al Baker said.

On a more cheerful note for the airline, plans to launch daily non-stop flights between Doha and New York JFK on October 26 are very much on despite the Boeing strike. Qatar Airways has received assurances from the manufacturer its fourth Boeing 777-300ER, to be used on the route, will be delivered in time and not disrupt the New York operational schedule.

"Qatar Airways' existing New York operation has proved very successful since its launch last summer and we look forward to offering our customers an enhanced service to and from one of the world's most important cities by switching the flights from Newark to JFK," said Al Baker.

Up till now, the airline has been flying to New York via Newark in New Jersey with a stop in Geneva utilising Airbus A330 aircraft. On the same day JFK dailies are introduced, Doha-Geneva will become a dedicated route.

Since November 2007, the airline has received three of the 32 Boeing 777 variants on order from Boeing. Two B777-300ER aircraft are currently deployed on the airline's Doha-Washington route non-stop, while a third is operating intra-Gulf services awaiting the arrival of the fourth aircraft when it will be shifted to the Doha- New York JFK route.

The Pen (http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&month=October2008&file=Local_News2008100942021.xml)

Also at Gulf Times (http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=246743&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16)

Qatar Airways receives third A321 on lease
Web posted at: 10/11/2008 2:10:49
Source ::: The Peninsula / By RABIN GUPTA

DOHA • Qatar Airways has received the third of four Airbus A321 aircraft it is taking on lease from CIT Aerospace, a unit of the US-based CIT Group, a global provider of commercial and consumer finance solutions.

The last of the narrow-body A321s is to be delivered by the end of this year. The leasing agreement was entered into in 2006, allowing the airline to build up its fleet while several aircraft were on order.

Qatar Airways' rapidly-expanding route network has meant the airline had to opt for leased aircraft to fly the many sectors which have been added on of late. With deliveries of aircraft being delayed for some reason or the other, leasing appears to be the best if not only option to deal with the situation caused by the shortage of planes.

In July, the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus at the Farnborough International Sir Show for purchase of six A321 aircraft - four firm orders and two on option. The addition of the aircraft will augment the airline's narrow body fleet, used mainly on regional routes.

The additional planes ordered from Airbus will shore up the A321 numbers to 14 and the narrow body fleet to 27 in total, made up of 14 A321s, 11 A320s and two A319 Long

Range aircraft.

Qatar Airways is currently the largest operator of the A320 family in the Middle East.

The airline has 80 A350XWBs and five super-jumbo A380 aircraft on order. The airline also is awaiting deliveries of Boeing 777s and Boeing 787 'Dreamliners'.

Delayed deliveries of 777 Long Range (LR) aircraft forced the airline into postponing its launch of flights to Houston from December to March this year. An ongoing strike at Boeing has not helped matters.

The Pen (http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=October2008&file=Local_News2008101121049.xml)

QR now has 5 B777-300ER:)

^^ This is going to be used on the DOHA-MANILA flights! Its good news for you!

^^Yes but they should use it on other eastern destination especially or replace the ones being partially served by the A300.

What happened to the fleet, weren't there suppose to be 66 aircaft? Did they remove some?

What happened to the fleet, weren't there suppose to be 66 aircaft? Did they remove some?

Yes, they removed the passenger A300's, and 2 old A330-200s (the ones whcih dont have televisions in economy) whcih were leased. THey went to Turkish Airlines.

^^Thats 3 and there are now 61 passenger aircrafts, i bet they removed some of the old A333s

^THe A333s are brand new, and are fully owned by QR. There are some leased A332s and smaller A320s so that might be it.

^^Well if you look at 1 video at youtube by 'Mercymankind', you will see its quite an oldy, with no IFE.

^^ those are A330-200s, and those are the ones that were leased and are not in QR fleet anymore.

Well the ones in the route between Doha and Dubai SUCK !!! no Personal Tv's, and only 1 ally ?!