Qatar Airways Thread [Archive]

Krazy

May 5th, 2005, 07:27 AM

Qatar Airways aims to fly high

Dubai :

Qatar Airways will operate a fleet of 110 to 120 aircraft by 2012-13 and aims to serve 70 destinations by the end of this year, a company executive said.

The Qatari carrier, which was launched in 1994, has reported a 25 per cent year-on-year growth in passengers, according to Qatar Airways management.

"Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines and our growth rate has been unprecedented in the last six years. The business is there, the market is there and the demand is there," said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways's chief executive at a press conference during the Arabian Travel Market 2005.

Although the last two years have been profitable for the Qatar Airways Group, the airline is still in the red, said Al Baker.

He said its deficit was shrinking, but refused to reveal the rate at which it is declining.

"We are projecting a profitable year for the airline by 2010, or even before that, as long as oil prices do not soar," Al Baker said.

The airline took delivery of its 40th aircraft last week, an Airbus A330-300.

Its fleet will increase further as it begins to take delivery of 34 new Airbus planes according to the terms of a $1.5 billion (Dh5.5 billion) deal signed in 2003.

Qatar Airways is in talks with Boeing and Airbus regarding additional aircraft purchases.

In 1997, when Qatar Airways was relaunched, it had just four aircraft.

Emirates has 76 aircraft and the Dubai-based airline projects a 151-strong fleet by 2012. Saudi Arabian Airlines has 126 aircraft and expects delivery of 15 more.

Qatar Airways said yesterday it would offer flights to Mashad in Iran and Alexandria in Egypt from June. Flights to Kenya's capital, Nairobi, are scheduled to start in October.

The airline added two new destinations in May Tunis and Algiers and increased the destinations it serves to 62.

It will add a previously-announced destination, Athens, in June. The carrier is expecting to increase its roster of destinations to 70 by the end of this year.

Al Baker said Qatar Airways exceeded its fuel budget by $68 million (Dh249.5 million) last year.

In 2004-05, he said, the figure is expected increase by another $100 million (Dh367 million).

He said the rise was due to higher fuel prices and its increasing capacity.

Qatar Airways was one of the first carriers to open scheduled flights on a regular basis to Iraq after the US-led war in the country, he said.

According to Al Baker, the carrier's services were stopped after restrictions were imposed by the coalition authorities.

"We will go back to Iraq when it is more stable and we can operate safely," he said.

Qatar Airways also plans to expand to the United States, the airline's chief executive said.

Krazy

May 5th, 2005, 07:31 AM

Qatar Airways says in Boeing, Airbus talks

5 May 2005

DUBAI — Rapidly-growing Qatar Airways is in “advanced discussions” with Airbus and Boeing Company to purchase new aircraft but wants certain demands to be met before concluding a deal, an airline official said yesterday.

“It is a strategic decision and the company will not rush to take any decision before receiving all the answers. We are negotiating on Boeing 7E7 and Airbus A350,” Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker told a news conference in Dubai.

“We’re in an advanced stage of discussions with both manufacturers and hope to conclude a deal with both or one of the two before the Paris (air) show."

“We made requests and asked for guarantees and we are waiting that they are adequately addressed by both,” said Baker who was speaking on the sidelines of the three-day Arabian Travel Market fair held in Dubai. He did not elaborate.

Baker said the airline’s 40 all-Airbus fleet would double in the next few years, following its $5.1 billion order of 18 Airbus planes and 16 options during the Paris Air Show two years ago. Qatar Airways aims to have 110 to 120 aircraft in 2012-2013.

The airline is one of the launch customers of the double-decker A380 with four aircraft on order to be delivered as of 2009.

He said high fuel prices have failed to dent expansion plans of gas-rich Qatar for the flag carrier.

“Jet fuel is affecting everybody, not only Qatar Airways or others. We pay a fuel rate which is equal to everybody else ... We are not subsidised and banks will vouch for that because they see our accounts.”

He said fuel accounted for 30 per cent of the airline’s total costs compared to 23 per cent last year.

“We have suffered $68 million above our budget in 2004-2005. This year we are expecting close to $100 million above budget ... This had a huge impact,” he added.

Baker dismissed speculation that a recent suicide bomb attack in Doha against a theatre popular with Westerners would damage the Gulf Arab state’s tourism and its airline.

“This is an isolated incident that could happen anywhere in the world ... My country is very safe. Qatar Airways has grown and people are still coming and hotels are full. The appetite for travel does not get dictated by an isolated incident.” Baker said new routes opened this week to North Africa increased Qatar Airways’ destinations to 62.

Bahraini Spirit

May 5th, 2005, 01:14 PM

I saw a program with Akbar Al Baker in it and he was explainin all the ambitious plans about the expansion plus the airport. I'd have to say, that guy is very intellectual and his story is a nice one (grew up in India) and speaks 5 languages, and now he's a CEO. I'm the same but didn't grow up in India, so maybe I'll be a CEO ;).

Bahraini Spirit

May 7th, 2005, 04:49 PM

زيادة أسعار النفط تكلف القطرية 100 مليون دولار

قال الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة الخطوط الجوية القطرية أكبر الباكر إن ارتفاع أسعار النفط العالمية أثر سلباً على العديد من شركات الطيران, وتوقع في مقابلة مع قناة الجزيرة أن تصل زيادة الإنفاق في ميزانية الخطوط القطرية جراء صعود أسعار الوقود إلى مائة مليون دولار هذا العام.

كما أعرب الباكر عن اعتقاده أن شركات الطيران المنخفضة التكلفة ستكون المتضرر الأكبر جراء ارتفاع تكلفة الوقود لا سيما في أوروبا, وذلك بسبب هامش الأرباح الضئيل لتلك الشركات.

وكان الباكر قد ذكر في دبي يوم أمس الأربعاء أن الشركة تجري مباحثات مع شركتي إيرباص وبوينغ لشراء طائرات جديدة لكنها تريد تلبية مطالب معينة قبل إبرام الصفقات. وأضاف أنه يأمل في إبرام صفقة مع الشركتين أو مع إحداهما قبل معرض باريس الجوي.

وقال الباكر إن أسطول الشركة المؤلف كله من 40 طائرة سوف يتضاعف في السنوات القليلة القادمة في أعقاب طلبها شراء 18 طائرة إيرباص بقيمة 5.1 مليارات دولار وخيارات لشراء 16 طائرة أخرى أثناء معرض باريس الجوي منذ عامين.

وتهدف شركة الخطوط الجوية القطرية إلى أن يصبح لديها ما بين 110 طائرات و120 طائرة بحلول سنة 2012 -2013.

Krazy

June 14th, 2005, 12:54 PM

Qatar Airways to order both Airbus and Boeing in US$15.2 billion deal

Qatar Airways has decided, after a very detailed evaluation of its aircraft requirements as well as current and future products, to place significant orders worth US$15.2 billion with both Airbus and Boeing.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/2/15612-qaceoakbaralbaker.jpg
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker

Negotiations are under way with both Airbus and Boeing but subject to the resolution of certain important outstanding issues with each manufacturer, Qatar Airways will shortly commit to the purchase of a large fleet of Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker made the announcement during a press conference on the first day of the Paris Air Show in the French capital. He said the Airbus order would be worth US$10.6bn and the Boeing order US$4.6bn.

In the case of the Airbus A350 the purchase will be comprised of up to sixty (60) units of the A350-800 and the A350-900 variants. The Airbus A350 was chosen over the Boeing 787 after very extensive analysis. The decision was very hard to make as both aircraft types showed very strong advantages in different areas. In the end, the existence of the Airbus A330 in Qatar Airways' current fleet and slightly more advantageous commercial terms led us to believe that the A350 would be the optimum choice.

Qatar Airways' Airbus A350 aircraft will be delivered between mid-2010 and 2015 - first to supplement and then replace the A330 - as the airline's small- to medium-size widebody aircraft. The enhanced range and flexibility of this new generation aircraft will allow Qatar Airways to use the A350 on missions ranging from short-haul regional services to long-haul operations to the Far East, Europe and North America from its operational hub of Doha, capital of the State of Qatar.

Qatar Airways intends to purchase at least twenty (20) Boeing B777 aircraft of three variants, the B777-300ER, B777-200LR and B777-200F. It is Qatar Airways' intention to make the B777 the airline's standard large widebody, with the B777-300ER likely to account for around half of the orders.

Qatar Airways' initial B777 order would be delivered to the airline between 2007 and 2010. The B777-300ER will allow capacity growth on the airline's rapidly-growing and airport slot-constrained routes, whereas the B777-200LR will be allocated to new routes to North America and Australasia.

The exceptional range capability and economics of the B777-200F freighter will supplement Qatar Airways' existing medium-haul Airbus A300-600R freighter fleet and facilitate the strong cargo growth that we anticipate with the opening of the new Doha International Airport in 2009.

Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, currently operating an all-Airbus fleet of 40 aircraft, flying to 64 destinations worldwide from Doha.

The award-winning carrier is among an elite group of international airlines ranked with a Five Star status by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency.

Krazy

June 15th, 2005, 07:50 AM

Qatar Airways awards deal to Lufthansa Technik

Dubai :
Qatar Airways has signed two MoUs with Lufthansa Technik valued more than $100 million(Dh367 million)

The German company, one of the world's leading independent providers of maintenance, repair and overhaul services for aircraft, components and engines, will take over the engine maintenance and overhaul of the airline's Airbus A320 fleet for the next ten years.

Lufthansa Technik's Engine Services in Hamburg will be servicing the different IAE V2500 engine variants of Qatar Airways' 17 A320s.

Lufthansa Technik will install Rockwell Collins' Tailwind 560 for onboard live satellite television for 15 Airbus A330s with antennas and corresponding systems and integrate the TV function into the existing in-flight entertainment system.

"As a key player in the Middle East and international aviation market, Qatar Airways committed itself always to the highest standards of safety, reliability and comfort. Today, while entrusting our engines to Lufthansa Technik, we are not only securing a reliable operation of our Airbus fleet but also setting the new standard of comfort for in-flight entertainment among international carriers", said Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways.

Qatar4Ever

June 16th, 2005, 07:29 AM

more wasted money.

Bahraini Spirit

June 16th, 2005, 09:17 PM

I see this as a competition between QA and Emirates, whos bigger, I mean all those expansions are a waste as Qatar pointed out, what is the load factor, just show biz stuff basically. Anyways:

Qatar Airways inaugural flight touches down in Athens
Qatar Airways has added Athens to its rapidly-growing international network with the launch of non-stop scheduled flights to the Greek capital.

The carrier's inaugural flight QR472 from Doha touched down at Athens International Airport this afternoon with a high-level delegation onboard, including airline representatives and media from the Middle East.

Senior airport officials welcomed the delegation, headed by Qatar Airways' General Manager Commercial Mohamed Saleh Fakhri before a welcome ceremony to mark the arrival of the new service.

Athens is Qatar Airways' third route launch this month following the start of new flights to Mashad in Iran and the Egyptian port city of Alexandria, served from the airline's operational hub of Doha, capital of the State of Qatar.

The historic city of Athens expands Qatar Airways' global network to 65 global destinations covering Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and Asia.

The airline is operating six flights a week on the Athens route, using an Airbus A320 in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business and 132 in Economy.

To celebrate the route launch, Qatar Airways is offering members of its Privilege Club frequent flyer programme with double Qmiles for the first full month of the new Athens flights.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said he was delighted to see the airline spreading its wings to new and exciting destinations, to give the travelling public greater choice.

'Athens has tremendous history and culture and is the gateway to some beautiful islands in the Mediterranean which I am sure will be highly popular with holidaymakers as the summer season approaches,' he said.

'We expect to see excellent traffic from the Middle East, Indian sub-continent, Asia and Africa feeding into our flights to Athens via Doha. And similarly, we look forward to welcoming passengers out of Greece to connect onto our extensive network of flights from Doha.'

Award-winning Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 40 all-Airbus aircraft, which will almost double within a few years, thanks largely to a $5.1bn order for 34 additional Airbus aircraft signed in 2003.

The airline is one of the launch customers of the twin-deck A380 'super jumbos' with four aircraft on order and scheduled for delivery from 2009 to coincide with the opening of the New Doha International Airport.

Earlier this month, Qatar Airways retained its status as one of only a select few Five Star-ranked airlines in the world by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency.

Skytrax also named Qatar Airways' cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the third year running and fifth best in the world following a survey of more than 12 million passengers worldwide, while the airline also maintained its position as among the world's top 10 carriers.

HiJazzey

June 18th, 2005, 03:12 PM

Oh boy, what a ridiculous order :no: . QA (and Emirates i might add) have to stop making decisions that are based more on pride than business sense. 80 airplanes in one go! About Singapore airlines' entire fleet. Insane.

Qatar4Ever

June 18th, 2005, 03:23 PM

I agree. Really insane.. and stupied.. more stupid than insane..

Krazy

June 21st, 2005, 09:20 AM

Qatar Airways to offer satellite TV on long-haul flights

Dubai: Qatar Airways, a growing Gulf airline, will become the first international carrier to provide live satellite television on its long-haul fleet.
The airline plans to introduce the new feature in its Airbus A330s by the end of the year as part of a $100 million (Dh367.40 million) agreement with Germany's Lufthansa Technik, a provider of technical services to commercial aircraft.

The deal also includes engine maintenance and overhaul of the airline's Airbus A320 short-haul aircraft for the next ten years.

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker announced the agreements after signing memoranda of understanding with Lufthansa Technik at the Paris Air Show.

Lufthansa Technik will install Rockwell Collins's Tailwind 560 system for live satellite television in 15 A330s.

Passengers will be able to tune in live TV from select networks, further enhancing their inflight entertainment options.

Engineers and technicians will equip the fleet with antennas and corresponding systems and integrate the TV function into Qatar Airways's award-winning interactive inflight entertainment system.

In addition, Lufthansa Technik's Engine Services in Hamburg will service the IAE V2500 engines of Airbus A320 aircraft under a total engine support contract.

Al Baker said live satellite television was yet another product initiative that would differentiate Qatar Airways from its competitors even further.

"As a key player in the Middle East and international aviation market, Qatar Airways always commits itself to the highest standards of inflight entertainment and onboard amenities," he said.

"We continue to look at ways to improve our service levels to passengers and, by offering a variety of entertainment options, we also set new standards of comfort to ensure we are the airline of choice."

At 15 inches, Qatar Airways first class and business class personal TV screens are the largest in the Middle East, as are the economy cabin's 9-inch screens.

Krazy

June 21st, 2005, 09:22 AM

15 inch personal TV screens???? :eek:

Qatar4Ever

June 21st, 2005, 11:08 AM

yup !! really large screens... but i dont like them a lot.. guys around get to see what movie m watching..

Krazy

June 21st, 2005, 11:31 AM

What sorta movie are do u wanna watch that u dont want guys around u to know ;)

Krazy

July 2nd, 2005, 03:44 PM

Qatar Airways to launch service to New Delhi

Dubai :
Following the recent successful round of civil aviation negotiations between the governments of Qatar and India, Qatar Airways announced that it will expand services to India this month by launching flights to New Delhi and increasing capacity on its presesnt services to almost double the number of weekly seats between Qatar and India.

Qatar Airways currently operates 19 scheduled flights a week between Doha, the airline's operational hub in Qatar, and four Indian destinations Cochin, Trivandrum, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

This summer, the airline will increase capacity to India with 11 additional flights a week, taking the number of services to 30 to five Indian cities.

From July 14 the airline will add the capital, New Delhi, to its Indian route map with seven services a week.

From July 15, the Mumbai route will increase from six services a week to daily with the introduction of a new Friday night flight from Doha.

Cochin, currently served three-times-a-week, will be boosted with two additional weekly departures from Doha, beginning on July 18. On July 21, a fourth weekly frequency will be added to Hyderabad.

CEO Akbar Al Baker said: "Our New Delhi flights and additional capacity going into Mumbai, Hyderabad and Cochin will help meet the demand, particularly during the summer rush and also help grow our overall business and leisure traffic to India."

Krazy

July 19th, 2005, 09:48 AM

Qatar Airways aims for profits by 2010
Posted: Monday, July 18, 2005

Singapore

Loss-making but fast-growing Qatar Airways hopes to be profitable by 2010 and could list its shares on the stock market by 2012, its chief executive said.

The state-controlled airline last month ordered $15 billion-worth of aircraft from Airbus and Boeing to add up to 80 planes to its existing fleet of 40 by 2015.

Its aim is to capitalise on a boom in development and tourism in the oil-rich Middle East.

'We hope to be profitable by 2009 or 2010,' Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker told a news conference.

'As soon as we are profitable for two consecutive years we will go public.'

The airline, which also operates the Doha Airport and owns ground handling and airline catering firms, was launched in 1994 and is expanding rapidly as its state link gives it access to cheap funding.

Its latest order was for a mix of Airbus A350-800 and A350-900 planes as well as Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER aircraft.

Al Baker also said Qatar Airways wanted eventually to join a global airline alliance, such as the Lufthansa-led Star Alliance, or Oneworld, which is headed by American Airlines and British Airways.

RafflesCity

July 23rd, 2005, 10:55 PM

Singapore to Qatar non-stop flights every day

19 Jul 05

By Arthur Poon

QATAR Airways announced yesterday it will fly non-stop daily from Singapore to Doha in Qatar, as well as use a larger-capacity aircraft.

The airline introduced the service in response to growing demand from both business and leisure travellers since Singapore and Qatar forged closer economic ties.

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker told The Straits Times yesterday: 'The closer exchanges between the two countries mean there is a lot of interest from Singapore companies establishing offices in Qatar, to take advantage of our economic development.'

Singapore signed its first Middle East free trade deal with Jordan last year and is expected to conclude a similar agreement with Qatar soon. Trade pacts with Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are also in the pipeline.

Figures from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore showed passenger traffic between Singapore and the Middle East cities of Bahrain, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh and Dubai went up by 57 per cent to 380,404 last year, from 242,115 in 2003.

Qatar Airways' previous Singapore-Doha route, introduced in November 2003, had a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. Earlier this year, the airline increased the number of services from five times a week to every day.

The new direct flights will use the bigger Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which seats 271, instead of the A300s now in use, which have fewer than 250 seats.

The airline faces stiff competition from regional rival Emirates, based in Dubai. By October, Emirates will increase its own services from 18 times a week to 24, to meet an upsurge in demand.

Dubai, which Emirates uses as its hub, has long been regarded as Doha's rival in the race to be crowned gateway to the Middle East.

Qatar Airways, which uses Doha as a hub connecting travellers to Gulf states like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, plans to open its new US$5.5 billion (S$9.3 billion) airport in 2009. When fully completed in 2015, the airport will be able to handle more than 50 million passengers a year.

Dubai airport, meanwhile, is undergoing an expansion that will increase its capacity to 70 million passengers a year by 2008.

Qatar4Ever

July 27th, 2005, 08:31 PM

Qatar Air to triple fleet size by 2015
Posted: Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Doha

Qatar Airways, which recently launched daily non-stop flights to Singapore, aims to almost triple its fleet size by 2015, said its chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker.

He said the unprecedented expansion was being admired with envy by the aviation industry.

The CEO presented his vision of the airline as a force to be reckoned with over the next few years, during a media briefing held in Singapore.

Celebrating the launch of daily non-stop flights to the island state using the state-of-the-art Airbus A330 aircraft, Al Baker hosted leading Singapore media figures over lunch at the city's Four Seasons Hotel.

Al Baker spoke of Qatar Airways' meteoric growth since its relaunch in 1997 to become one of the fastest growing airlines in the world.

He outlined the company's vision to become a key player in global aviation. Only last month, Qatar Airways, which operates a fleet of 40 all-Airbus aircraft, announced plans at the Paris Air Show to acquire up to 80 planes, comprising 60 of the new generation A350s and 20 Boeing 777s worth a total $15.2 billion.

Al Baker described how Qatar Airways had made significant inroads in the industry to become an award-winning airline in just a short few years.

As part of the airline's growth strategy, Al Baker said Qatar Airways was introducing new destinations and increasing frequency on existing routes to offer passengers with a greater choice of flights and convenient connection opportunities over Doha.

The Singapore route, he said, had just been upgraded from an Airbus A300 aircraft to the larger A330 offering the latest in inflight comfort and amenities. The route is being operated non-stop on all daily flights, cutting out the indirect service via Kuala Lumpur to provide a faster flight time.

The new daily non-stop service operated with the A330-200 aircraft features a fully interactive inflight entertainment system in every seat. The A330 is the backbone of Qatar Airways' long-haul fleet to destinations as far as Europe, South Africa and Far East.

Al Baker said Singapore had been a highly successful route for the airline since the service was launched in November 2003 and it was only a matter of time before it was upgraded to a bigger capacity aircraft flying non-stop.

Singapore is one of 11 Far East destinations served by Qatar Airways from its operational hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar in the Arabian Gulf. The Far East represents 18 per cent of the airline's global network.

The airline's Far East services currently cover Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Osaka, Seoul, Manila, Cebu, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Yangon and Jakarta.

With Qatar Airways being a key sponsor of the Asian Games in Doha next year, Al Baker said the airline will spend the next 18 months focusing much of its efforts in Asia to promote the event. He explained that Qatar Airways planned to fly to further destinations in the Far East over the next 18 months.

Al Baker also briefed the media on the current state of the $5.5 billion New Doha International Airport, of which construction began in January 2005 and was on schedule for phase one to be completed by 2009.

Most of the dredging work from the sea has been completed with 60 per cent of the new airport built on reclaimed land, he said.

He described how the new airport would be an architectural marvel, and the first in the world to be designed and built specifically for Airbus's new A380-800 double-decker 'super jumbo' - the largest passenger aircraft ever built.

The A380 will be capable of carrying more than 550 passengers, with Qatar Airways a launch customer taking delivery of the first of its four A380s in 2009, the year the new airport opens.

Qatar Airways currently operates scheduled flights from Doha to 66 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and the Far East. The Indian capital New Delhi joined Qatar Airways' route network on July 14, with Nairobi following on November 15. -TradeArabia News Service

Krazy

July 28th, 2005, 09:41 AM

Qatar Airways CEO briefs Singapore media on global growth plans

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker presented his vision of the airline as a force to be reckoned with over the next few years, during a media briefing held in Singapore.

Celebrating the launch of daily non-stop flights to the island state using the state-of-the-art Airbus A330 aircraft, Al Baker hosted leading Singapore media figures over lunch at the city's Four Seasons Hotel.

Al Baker spoke of Qatar Airways' meteoric growth since its relaunch in 1997 to become one of the fastest growing airlines in the world.

He outlined the company's vision to become a key player in global aviation. Only last month, Qatar Airways, which operates a fleet of 40 all-Airbus aircraft, announced plans at the Paris Air Show to acquire up to 80 planes, comprising 60 of the new generation A350s and 20 Boeing 777s worth a total US$15.2 billion.

Al Baker said the airline will almost triple its fleet size by the year 2015, which he stressed was unprecedented expansion that was being admired with envy by rest of the aviation industry. He described how Qatar Airways had made significant inroads in the industry to become an award-winning airline in just a short few years.

As part of the airline's growth strategy, Al Baker said Qatar Airways was introducing new destinations and increasing frequency on existing routes to offer passengers with a greater choice of flights and convenient connection opportunities over Doha.

The Singapore route, he said, had just been upgraded from an Airbus A300 aircraft to the larger A330 offering the latest in inflight comfort and amenities. The route is being operated non-stop on all daily flights, cutting out the indirect service via Kuala Lumpur to provide a faster flight time.

The new daily non-stop service operated with the A330-200 aircraft features a fully interactive inflight entertainment system in every seat. The A330 is the backbone of Qatar Airways' long-haul fleet to destinations as far as Europe, South Africa and Far East.

Al Baker said Singapore had been a highly successful route for the airline since the service was launched in November 2003 and it was only a matter of time before it was upgraded to a bigger capacity aircraft flying non-stop.

Singapore is one of 11 Far East destinations served by Qatar Airways from its operational hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar in the Arabian Gulf. The Far East represents 18 per cent of the airline's global network.

The airline's Far East services currently cover Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Osaka, Seoul, Manila, Cebu, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Yangon and Jakarta.

With Qatar Airways being a key sponsor of the Asian Games in Doha next year, Al Baker said the airline will spend the next 18 months focusing much of its efforts in Asia to promote the event. He explained that Qatar Airways planned to fly to further destinations in the Far East over the next 18 months.

Al Baker also briefed the media on the current state of the US$5.5 billion New Doha International Airport, of which construction began in January 2005 and was on schedule for phase one to be completed by 2009. Most of the dredging work from the sea has been completed with 60 per cent of the new airport built on reclaimed land, he said.

He described how the new airport would be an architectural marvel, and the first in the world to be designed and built specifically for Airbus's new A380-800 double-decker 'super jumbo' - the largest passenger aircraft ever built. The A380 will be capable of carrying more than 550 passengers, with Qatar Airways a launch customer taking delivery of the first of its four A380s in 2009, the year the new airport opens.

Genç

August 6th, 2005, 10:00 PM

August 7th, 2005, 10:21 AM

I have the golden card with QA frequent flyer, I don't like to fly with any other airways.

Krazy

September 1st, 2005, 07:14 AM

Qatar Airways unveils themed A330 aircraft

1 September 2005

DUBAI — Qatar Airways, the official Airline for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, and the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC), yesterday unveiled the first Qatar Airways Airbus A330 themed aircraft to promote the biggest ever-sporting event to be staged in the region.

With 15 months to go before Doha hosts the sporting extravaganza, Qatar Airways has taken delivery of the first of its Doha 2006 Games branded aircraft, fresh off the Airbus production line in the French city of Toulouse.

The new livery features distinctive vibrant colours and imagery created specifically for the Doha 2006 Games which will be difficult to miss in many of the 66 destinations served by the award-winning Doha-based airline.

There are two distinct designs created on the next seven A330s that will fly in the new colours with deliveries taking place over the next nine months until May 2006.

The first Qatar Airways branded Airbus A330-300 features images from two of the 39 sports featured in the Games. One side of the tail has an image of an athlete — the other a cyclist. Both the tail and rear section of the fuselage are painted in distinct bright colours of yellow and orange.

Krazy

October 6th, 2005, 02:54 PM

Qatar Airways expands presence at leading Japanese travel show

Qatar Airways has stepped up its presence in the Japanese market by participating in a three-day travel trade and consumer exhibition in the capital, Tokyo.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/7/18377-JATA.jpg
Qatar Airways exhibits at JATA 2005 in Tokyo

A year after making its debut at JATA, the Japan Association of Travel Agents' annual show, the airline celebrated the launch of its flights between Doha and Osaka with a much bigger presence at this year's event.

Qatar Airways' Japanese cabin crew, together with a fully fledged sales team from the country office in Tokyo, were on hand to meet and greet visitors to the stand at the Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Centre.

Qatar Airways had the opportunity to promote its new four-flights-a-week non-stop Osaka service and give visitors - travel industry professionals and consumers - an impression of the airline's award-winning features.

Round-trip tickets between Osaka and any point on the Qatar Airways global network were raffled over the three days giving lucky winners the opportunity to sample the airline's Five Star service.

Travel agents and tour operators from across Japan and overseas visited the show, where industry organisations drawn from international tourist boards, airlines, hotels and cruise and car rental companies, presented their latest products.

Since the mid-1990s, the Japanese outbound travel market has undergone major change with two key segments leading the way - middle-aged over 50s and men and women in their 30s - primarily because the travelling public has continued to grow older and more adventurous.

It represents a sharp shift from the young men and women in their 20s who were once seen as leading the trend in overseas travel from Japan.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said that participation at the JATA event reflected the airline's dedication to the Japanese market.

'We launched our Doha - Osaka flights six months ago and have been overwhelmed by the success of the service,' he said.

'With several Japanese cabin crew onboard each of our Osaka flights, we are committed to offering that little extra personal touch on our services. They provide the necessary language skills that ensure our Japanese passengers face no difficulties communicating with our crew during the flight.'

'Qatar Airways looks forward to strengthening its position in the Japanese market with extra flights to Osaka which will offer passengers an improved choice of services and connections to our extensive network of routes from Doha.'

Qatar4Ever

October 6th, 2005, 06:45 PM

QA is the best airline in the world. I lately flow QA on route to London and on my way back i flow EA to Dubai. Im not joking there is no comparsion at all. Even after flying Malaysia's Airline, forgot its name, i think QA is still a bit better.

go mid east

October 6th, 2005, 10:10 PM

Kuwait airlines recently started a discount airline... for all those money saving gulf-ites no doubt

i got the following from middle east times:

KUWAIT CITY -- Kuwait's first private low-fare airline - Jazeera Airways - will take to the skies on November 16 after receiving two Airbus A320 planes it ordered last year, the company's president said on Monday.

"We are proud to announce that the official launch of the airline will be late October per schedule and we are currently taking bookings for flights on November 16 and beyond," Jazeera Airways chairman and CEO Marwan Boodai said.

Krazy

October 12th, 2005, 06:13 AM

Qatar Airways to launch flights to Madrid

12 October 2005

DUBAI — Qatar Airways is preparing for its first move into Spanish territory with the launch of flights to Madrid, beginning on December 2. The timing of the new scheduled flights between Qatar Airways' operational hub of Doha, and the Spanish capital coincides with the holiday season and one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Qatar Airways has unveiled its flight schedules for the Madrid route, operating three times a week with a wide body Airbus A300-600 aircraft in a two-class configuration of 18 seats in business class and 232 in economy. All flights will operate into Madrid's Barajas International Airport via Rome. The airline will be the only Gulf-based carrier flying to the Spanish capital, offering convenient connections from the Middle East to Madrid, via Doha.

Subangite

October 12th, 2005, 10:35 AM

Has anyone flown with QA before? What's it like, I know that the flight experience is of a very high standard, but what do you think?
I'm flying to Singapore via Qatar btw, also, I've flown with Emirates before too, it's very impressive. Which is better in your opinion?

My friends girlfriend works from Qatar as a flight attendant. If she's a yardstick to go by for Flight attendants, then Qatar has some nice beauties serving you.

Qatar4Ever

October 12th, 2005, 07:27 PM

Genc, QA is going to probably one of your best flight experiences. Im not just saying that coz im from Qatar, but its the truth. However I have to admit the flight that takes you to singapore isnt that good. I use to fly there via malaysia, right now there is a direct flight, qatar to singapore. Hopefully it will be in one of the newer planes which provide better flight attendent service as opposed to the older planes which for some reason the flight attendents arent that good.

Dismanirie

October 12th, 2005, 11:16 PM

I am a great fan of QR but believe that their ambition for expansion is being impeded by inadequate infrastructure at Doha Airport, which makes transiting through Qatar a nightmare. Service on many flights is very good, and in the front end of the aircraft it is very personalised and attentive. If you're flying economy, however, it has little to offer over other regional airlines. Ther is a high turnover in cabin crew, and they frequently have to work double legs where other airlines schedule overnights.

Qatar4Ever

October 13th, 2005, 08:16 PM

Good thing we will be building a new airport. It will take time but better late than never.

However i hate the location of the new airport.

BigDreamer

October 14th, 2005, 07:34 AM

QA was in the top 3 airlines in the world in terms of service and safty, with singapore and some other one whcih i cant remember. quite impressive i think,

Qatar4Ever

October 14th, 2005, 08:20 AM

Qatar Airways, Thai Airlines and Malaysia Airlines were the top three if im not mistaken.

Dismanirie

October 14th, 2005, 09:33 AM

Q4Ever, what's wrong with the location of NDIA? Would you have located it inland to the west of Doha? While there is no doubt that the cost has been multiplied by three because of the need to dredge and fill most of the land for NDIA, there is no doubt that flightpaths going over sea are much less disturbing than flightpaths overland. The sight of planes turning in to land over the rooftops of Hong Kong may have looked spectacular if you didn't live near Kai Tak, but the new Chek Lap Kok airport is a far better location.

Akbar Al Baker wants transit travellers to stop over in Qatar for a few days. Won't have much appeal if you fly them over Messaieed or Dukhan on the way in!

prsn41ife

October 17th, 2005, 01:15 AM

Qatar4Ever

October 17th, 2005, 09:22 PM

His Dis, the location is bad because it has taken over 10 km of very valuable beach line that is so close to the city and turned it into an airport. They could of built the airport 5 or 10km further south and kept this area un settled for future projects. This piece of land may be very valuable in the future.

They are doing the same stupid mistake as they did with the embassies. They built the embassies decades ago next to the sea in the west bay. Today they will move all embassies and build high towers in their place coz thye just realized how valuable the land is.

We never learn from our stupied planning mistakes.

prsn4life I was giving a subjective opinion, thank you for highlighting that singapore, which also happens to have a 5 star ranking like qatar airways is the best.

Halawala

October 23rd, 2005, 05:48 PM

I agree with you Qatar4Ever! I want to know why did they decide to build the airport on the sea when there are thousands of empty square kilometers inland? If they did the airport near Rayyan or Salwa Road it is better at least they will finish it quickly. But, at least the new airport now is close to home :)

Qatar4Ever

October 23rd, 2005, 11:37 PM

I'll answer your question by another question. Who is doing the reclaimation work ? Who is on the board of director of that company ? Who owns its stocks ? My theory.

Morris Leonard

October 27th, 2005, 07:59 PM

very nice

Dismanirie

November 15th, 2005, 09:18 PM

Q4E, sorry I seem to have lost the thread for a while. But your comments are certainly intriguing. Whatever the commercial politics, the location is actually pretty good, in my opinion. I also agree with your comments about the embassy developments at Dafna, but that was at a time when Qatar had no income and very modest development plans.

I don't agree with Halawala that Rayyan or Salwa Road would have been good locations. And without the airport I don't suppose the 3 million cubic meters of garbage tipped at Ras Abu Abboud would have been shifted...

Halawala

November 16th, 2005, 09:20 AM

Qatar Airways Announces Hong Kong As New Route
15 November 2005

World Travel Market, LONDON – Qatar Airways has announced plans to launch scheduled flights to Hong Kong at the beginning of the Summer 2006 season.

The daily flights will operate non-stop from the airline’s hub of Doha, capital of State of Qatar, from March 26 next year.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most glamorous destinations offering breathtaking views and exciting attractions such as the recently-opened Disneyland. Tourism authorities have designated 2006 as Discover Hong Kong Year, adding more impetus to Qatar Airways’ decision to launch flights to the region.

Hong Kong will become Qatar Airways’ 12th Far East destination that already covers Osaka, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, Manila, Cebu, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Yangon and Jakarta.

In the year that Qatar celebrates being host country of the 15th Asian Games in Doha in December 2006, Qatar Airways is targeting Asia as a growth area for new routes and increased capacity on existing services. Qatar Airways is also the official airline of the Games.

Announcing the new Hong Kong route during a press conference at World Travel Market in London, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the special administrative region of China was a buoyant market that appealed strongly to both leisure and business travellers.

“Hong Kong is a key financial, business and leisure centre which is a must for any airline to serve – and Qatar Airways is no exception,” he said, addressing a press conference in the British capital.

“We are delighted to put Hong Kong on our global map from March next year and pleased to announce that it will be our first Asian service to feature our brand new inflight service.

“Passengers will experience the best levels of inflight comfort and service seen anywhere in the aviation industry. This new service ethos that has already been introduced on the London Heathrow – Doha route will be gradually rolled out on other routes over the next few months.”

Qatar4Ever

November 20th, 2005, 11:16 PM

Funny, this month issue of GQ, it thinkg GQ or Trader magainze, anyways they voted QA food as the best in the sky.

cleric

December 6th, 2005, 11:07 AM

i love the internet...

omarmakki

December 12th, 2005, 09:47 PM

My mother was just trying to book some tickets to Doha with Qatar Airways. And to my surprise it was full! Even in the waiting list, it is full!

Bahraini Spirit

December 22nd, 2005, 02:41 AM

QATAR Airways is to expand its operations to Bahrain shortly with seven flights daily, it was revealed yesterday.

The airline currently operates 37 flights a week between Doha and Bahrain, with seven flights on Thursday and five flights daily on other days.

"We are now planning a major expansion to have seven flights daily in the near future," said Qatar Airways' newly-appointed area manager for Bahrain, Majeed Maarij.

"Our flights to Bahrain have always been in great demand," he told the GDN.

"We shall therefore increase the frequency further in line with the Bahrain government's open sky policy and our airline's fleet expansion programme."

Qatar Airways currently operates to 68 destinations.

The latest destinations introduced this month were Madrid, Spain, and Berlin, Germany. "We shall operate to Hong Kong and add two more flights a week to Manila shortly," said Mr Maarij.

Plans are also underway for Qatar Airways to operate to more destinations in India, he added.

The airline currently operates two flights daily to Trivandrum, Cochin, Hyderabad and Mumbai, and one flight daily to Delhi. It also operates two flights daily to London Heathrow, besides daily flights to Gatwick and Manchester.

Mr Maarij, a Bahraini national, has more than 30 years' experience with the aviation industry.

He received his Business Executive Management diploma from the then Gulf Polytechnic.

"I was proud to receive a special certificate for outstanding student from His Majesty King Hamad, who was then the Crown Prince," Mr Maarij recalled.

He joined Gulf Air in 1974 and was an assistant manager - quality inspection when he left the airline in 2001 to join Qatar Airways in Dammam.

Qatar4Ever

December 24th, 2005, 02:48 PM

Offcourse it will be full. The best airline in the world and probably one of the best value airlines out there. I know folks who wanted to go to paris for xmas to c family, they had to take british airways from doha to bahrain to london and then hope onto the eurostar to get there coz they couldnt get booking on QA

dave550

December 24th, 2005, 09:36 PM

I really felt like a king when I travled with QA. Unlike the all the American Airlines, they make you feel like your homeless or an Aleiva's reject. loooooooooooooool

Bahraini Spirit

December 31st, 2005, 12:53 PM

Qatar-Saudi airlines sign codeshare deal

Doha: Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines have signed a strategic codeshare agreement that will link two of the region's largest airline networks.

The codeshare agreement was signed between Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker and Dr Ayed Al Amri, general manager Commercial Agreements and Haj Affairs of Saudi Arabian Airlines.

The agreement will allow Qatar Airways to carry Saudia passengers on the Dammam- Doha-Dammam sectors.

The Saudi delegation to Doha also comprised Mohammad Rushdi Fairak, senior manager Bilateral Commercial Agreements, and Nowaf Alharbi, Saudi Arabian Airlines manager Qatar and Bahrain.

"This new codeshare marks a historic milestone for Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines and is the start of a long term relationship that will help strengthen ties between our two countries," said Al Baker said.

"We look forward to a prosperous relationship with Saudi Arabian Airlines and a long-term partnership that is going to deliver additional value to passengers flying on the Doha-Dammam route."

The bilateral codeshare agreement will be effective from February 1.

Saudi Arabian Airlines is Qatar Airways' latest codeshare partner. Qatar Airways has a network of strategic alliances with a number of airlines, including codeshare agreements with Lufthansa, Malaysian, Alitalia, Garuda Indonesia, Thai Airways, All Nippon Airways, Philippine Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Yemenia, bmi (British Midland) and Air China.

Moody

December 31st, 2005, 03:13 PM

I have not tried Qatar yet, but is it really near BA or Emirates? tell me, maybe i will try it if you convince me! apart from being a cheap ticket of course..

MillenniaL

December 31st, 2005, 04:31 PM

I have not tried Qatar yet, but is it really near BA or Emirates? tell me, maybe i will try it if you convince me! apart from being a cheap ticket of course..
Qatar Airways is 5 star ,while British and Emirates airways are 4 star

Check this rate:
5 Star Airlines:

Cathay Pacific Airways
Malaysia Airlines
Qatar Airways
Singapore Airlines

4 Star Airlines:

Air Dolomiti
Air France
Air New Zealand
Air Tahiti Nui
All Nippon Airways
Asiana Airlines
Austrian
Bangkok Airways
British Airways
China Airlines
Dragonair
Emirates
EVA Airways
Frontier Airlines (low cost airline ranking)
Gulf Air
Japan Airlines
JetBlue Airways (low cost airline ranking)
Korean Air
Lufthansa
Luxair
Midwest Airlines (low cost airline ranking)
Portugalia Airlines
Qantas Airways
Royal Brunei Airlines
Silk Air
South African Airways
SriLankan Airlines
Swiss Int'l Air Lines
Thai Airways

here is the Source: http://www.airlinequality.com/StarRanking/5star.htm

Moody

January 1st, 2006, 12:10 AM

Sounds cool, and at a discount too ! ok i promise, next time i will catch a QA flight..

Harkeb

January 7th, 2006, 03:27 AM

JBinCalgary

February 7th, 2006, 07:16 AM

i would imagine QA still has alot of competition with gulf air. or has emirates taken charge

Qatar4Ever

February 16th, 2006, 01:07 AM

Acctually harkerb QA has the newest planes. The real old planes, which are charterd ones since Airbus cant keep up with QA new orders, only these old ones are crap.

We usually use old planes for passangers who are from africa or third world country.

For example where you come from we send an old plane coz we are afraid you might dirty our seats or you might not understand what luxury is.

Halawala

February 18th, 2006, 10:31 PM

^^^ :haha: the old ones (A300) will be converted into frighters and replaced by newer ones (A330's) and (A350's)..

There is also an article in Gulf Times QR will start services to Bucharest in Romania in two or three months--interesting.

Tosco

February 20th, 2006, 05:54 AM

Interesting information!

Halawala

February 22nd, 2006, 10:32 PM

This is latest Qatar Airways A330-300 fresh from Toulouse. It is the third color scheme for the 2006 Asian Games... Enjoy!
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/8523/qtrred10247556jpg572886yp.th.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=qtrred10247556jpg572886yp.jpg)

This is the A330-300
http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/6866/09863195qe.th.jpg (http://img71.imageshack.us/my.php?image=09863195qe.jpg)

This another one (A330-200)
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6889/10050910qf.th.jpg (http://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10050910qf.jpg)

Halawala

March 8th, 2006, 10:24 PM

Qatar Airways announced in Berlin ITB fair that it will have a new livery, to be painted on the A340-600s due to be delievered this summer...

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/3144/getassetaspx4ca.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

What do you guys think? I think it looks wonderful!!

dave550

March 9th, 2006, 02:47 AM

It's even better than the current one.

Qatar4Ever

March 9th, 2006, 09:00 PM

Fly high Qatar Airways.

buildqatar

March 10th, 2006, 08:53 PM

QATAR AIRWAYS is going beyond expectattions !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but this design is lightly match with EMIRATES .!!!!!!!!!!!! no prob ..

Hosain85

March 11th, 2006, 04:52 AM

The arabic alphabet is very beautiful as is. I don't understand why their marketing team hasn't exploited that asset to the fullest, instead all the put is QATAR...

Qatar4Ever

March 11th, 2006, 11:50 PM

PR baby. Qatar Airways is nothing more than an advertisng tool for Qatar.

dave550

March 13th, 2006, 05:12 AM

^^It is in someways, but they aren't doing this purposely.

Halawala

March 17th, 2006, 10:46 AM

QATAR Airways has announced special rates to Hong Kong as the national carrier gears up for its first route launch of 2006 with the island joining the airline’s network on March 26.
To mark the launch, Qatar Airways Holidays, a division of the airline, is offering special introductory packages to Hong Kong with prices starting from QR3,095 per person on a double room sharing basis.
The price includes round-trip travel in economy class on Qatar Airways from Doha, three nights’ accommodation at the Hotel Metro Park, round-trip airport transfers, Hong Kong city tour and free entry to Hong Kong Disneyland.
Daily scheduled flights will operate non-stop from Doha to Hong Kong, the airline’s third gateway in Greater China.
The national carrier already serves Beijing and Shanghai with four non-stop flights a week each. Hong Kong becomes Qatar Airways’ 12th Far East destination.
The new Hong Kong service will be operated with an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, configured in two classes. Business Class features up to 24 seats, while the economy cabin has up to 259 seats, a Qatar Airways release said.
Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar al-Baker said Hong Kong was one of the most exciting cities offering visitors the opportunity to sample its unique heritage, festivals and tourist attractions.
“Hong Kong is a key financial, business and leisure centre which is a must for any airline to serve - and Qatar Airways is no exception. We are extremely delighted to launch this exciting route in a year when Hong Kong is pushing the boat out to promote its new and diverse attractions.
“Hong Kong is spending a lot of money and resource during 2006 and we are only too pleased to be able to launch our flights to this wonderful destination during the Discover Hong Kong Year. Hong Kong fits nicely into our growth strategy to serve key capital and secondary cities around the world.
“Hong Kong has a fantastic tourist product and some of the world’s best conference and convention facilities. By working closely with our partners in Hong Kong, Qatar Airways promises to make this route one of the most successful in recent years.”

Halawala

March 21st, 2006, 10:35 AM

Civil Aviation Authority slaps ceiling on low cost carrier discounts
Web posted at: 3/21/2006 7:49:41
Source ::: The Peninsula
DOHA: The Civil Aviation Authority will maintain a cap of 15 per cent on the differential in airfares that can be offered by Low Cost Carriers over conventional airlines, in the local carrier market, a top CAA official asserted yesterday.

Such a ceiling on the discount LCCs can offer passengers, he added, was essential to ensure that all airlines operating to Doha yields that justify operational expenses.

In an interview with The Peninsula yesterday, Saleh Haroon, Director, Air Transport and Airport Affairs (CAA) explained, Qatar could accommodate both, LCCs to serve the economically weaker segments of the society and Full Service Carriers (FSCs), that are preferred by the high-end leisure and business traveller.

"If LCCs are allowed to offer fares that are much low than FSCs, conventional carriers might be forced out of operating on a particular route from Doha, affecting passengers who wish to pay more but avail of better services. Hence, we have to regulate the fare difference that LCCs will be allowed to offer in the local travel market," he added.

He emphasised, the CAA had not dictated terms to any carrier to compromise on its in-flight or any other service to cut operational costs. “Hence, LCCs cannot dictate what should be our definition of a budget carrier. Though such carriers cut costs on in-flight meals, operate newer, fuel efficient aircraft and offer lower free baggage allowance, they still have other expenses on crew and navigation. If they do not wish to offer a service does not automatically imply that we will allow them to drop prices.”

The CAA therefore has structured airfares sold in Doha under three categories- Direct, Indirect and LCCs. Indirect carriers, he said, can offer fares that are eight per cent lower than those offered by airlines flying direct between Doha and any particular destination. LCCs will be allowed to sell tickets up to 15 per cent cheaper over fares offered by direct carriers.

“Even if this different is not very high, there is a segment in the local market who would prefer to fly an airline that offers for example, a fare that is just QR50 cheaper than conventional carriers. Hence, the 15 per cent ceiling on the fare difference that can be offered by LCCs, is justified," he added. He disclosed, LCCs would be permitted to offer the lower fare round the year, regardless of the peak travel season in Doha.

Qatar4Ever

March 21st, 2006, 09:22 PM

Whats that i see behind us.. hmmm.. looks familiarr.. what is it...

ittttttttttttttttssss emirities airline !! haha couldnt help my childish urges.

margog

March 22nd, 2006, 05:10 PM

I like the ( al maha ) as a logo for the Qatar airways and by the way Qatar airways better than the emarits weth all respect I had a bad flight in this airways company :)

Halawala

March 23rd, 2006, 09:38 AM

Qatar Airways to introduce e-ticketing

Doha: Qatar Airways will introduce electronic ticketing (e-ticketing) on April 1 for flights departing from May 1 as part of a major initiative to replace paper documents and simplify the travel process. With the launch of e-tickets, passengers will no longer receive a physical ticket. Instead, the passenger's ticket and travel details will be stored electronically in a central database.

More than 100 travel agents from across Qatar attended a workshop in Doha yesterday, hosted by Qatar Airways, to familiarise them with the new procedures. Under the new processes, passengers will still receive a receipt upon making their bookings through any Qatar Airways reservation office or travel agent. The receipt will include the itinerary, invoice and reference to the e-ticket. Upon check-in, passengers will only have to present their passport or other form of identification, and the check-in agent will be able to retrieve the booking details.

E-tickets offers significant benefits to customers such as speed, since there is no need to pick up tickets in an office or wait for it in the mail. E-tickets are also safe since they cannot be lost or stolen. They are safely stored electronically in a central database.

They offer simple procedures for check-in as all that passengers require is to present their passport or any other form of identification.

E-ticket bookings will be taken from April 1 for travel from May 1. The system will initially only be made available in selected destinations before gradually being rolled out across Qatar Airways' global network of 70 cities. The electronic ticketing is being implemented under a strategic partnership contract with Lufthansa Systems that covers a wide range of services, including the provision of software for self-service check-in terminals and global network communication services for Qatar Airways' entire airport operations worldwide.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said electronic ticketing was an important industry initiative designed to simplify procedures for the traveling public, as well as the airline. "The introduction of electronic ticketing will greatly improve processes for passengers and Qatar Airways. Its benefits are substantial. For passengers, it means faster check-in, easier processing through airports and eliminating the risk of losing tickets. For Qatar Airways, it eliminates the need for paper tickets and reduce costs significantly," he added.

Electronic ticketing is being introduced as part of a major drive by the International Air Transport Association (Iata) to ensure all airlines around the world implement paperless ticketing procedures by the end of 2007. Iata's deadline mandate, under its 'Simplifying the Business' initiative, is designed to ensure the entire airline industry adopts standard practices to lower costs and improve passenger service.

Qatar4Ever

March 23rd, 2006, 09:31 PM

WE know we are number one man.

margog

March 24th, 2006, 02:29 AM

is ther any new 5star hotels finishd this year couse I'll fly to qatar aftar tow week.
:goodbye:

Halawala

March 24th, 2006, 08:58 AM

is ther any new 5star hotels finishd this year couse I'll fly to qatar aftar tow week.
:goodbye:

There is just one new hotel: the grand regency hotel but they will open many more this year.

dave550

March 24th, 2006, 07:37 PM

Where is it??^^

margog

March 25th, 2006, 02:32 AM

thanx halawala but where is this hotel I hope its not far from the intercontanental hotel.

Halawala

March 25th, 2006, 10:08 AM

thanx halawala but where is this hotel I hope its not far from the intercontanental hotel.

No problem man, but i its pretty far from the intercon hotel. Its located near Al-Sadd area on the Sports Roundabout near the hospital.

margog

March 25th, 2006, 03:46 PM

dos alsadd in the north of doha?

Halawala

March 25th, 2006, 11:17 PM

dos alsadd in the north of doha?

Al Sadd is in Central Doha exactly.

dave550

March 26th, 2006, 03:18 AM

By the way, did they finish fixing Al-Sadd st?

Halawala

March 26th, 2006, 12:51 PM

No, the Suhaim Bin Hamad Street (the one with all the restaurants) has been closed for some time. The Al Sadd roundabout is still closed--making way for traffic signals. It is till a COMPLETE MESS!!!

Halawala

March 26th, 2006, 04:22 PM

QR lands in Hong Kong!

Qatar Airways has brought its award-winning Five Star service to Hong Kong with its inaugural flight from Doha touching down at the city's international airport this afternoon. The new Hong Kong service is operated with the Airbus A330 wide body aircraft, configured in two classes. Business Class has 24 seats, while the economy cabin has 259 seats. The A330s feature the airline's Audio Video On Demand interactive entertainment system.

margog

March 26th, 2006, 04:41 PM

wen qatar airways reseve the the airbus 380 and how meny are they ?

Halawala

March 26th, 2006, 05:36 PM

wen qatar airways reseve the the airbus 380 and how meny are they ?
a/c
in late 2008 when the new airport is completed. QR ordered 4 planes

hkskyline

March 26th, 2006, 08:05 PM

dave550

March 26th, 2006, 09:20 PM

really, good I HATE rounabouts. What about al-markhya roundabout, did they convert it to signals??

dave550

March 26th, 2006, 09:20 PM

Love the colors

Halawala

March 26th, 2006, 09:57 PM

Thanks hkslyline and dynasty 641 for the photos! BTW they are brand new planes (less than a week old)!

Halawala

March 26th, 2006, 10:01 PM

No, (you mean the Television R/A). They closed the Ahmed Bin Ali Street a long time ago, the roundabout near the CHN University (castle roundabout) (to be converted to signals). They also closed the R/A in front of Al-Waqf Tower and soon they will close the City Center R/A to make it into signals.

dave550

March 27th, 2006, 01:30 AM

Great, cause I don't do roundabouts

Krazy

March 27th, 2006, 04:41 PM

Qatar Airways touches down in Hong Kong

Qatar Airways has brought its award-winning Five Star service to Hong Kong with its inaugural flight from Doha touching down at the city's international airport this afternoon.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/8/23398-qa.jpg
Qatar Airways arrives in Hong Kong.

Flight QR812 arrived in the vibrant and colourful city of Hong Kong to a fireman's salute welcome of the firing of a water arch - never before seen at Hong Kong International Airport. The arrival was also marked by a traditional lion dance, together with a ribbon- and cake-cutting ceremony.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker led an official delegation of senior management and officials from the New Doha International Airport on the inaugural nine-hour flight, which also included media from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The first flight was met on arrival by government and airport officials, as well as Qatar Airways Senior Manager Commercial Operations Far East and Australasia, Marwan Koleilat, together with the airline's Regional Manager Northern Far East, David Chui, and Area Manager Hong Kong, Rocky Kwok.

The welcome party included Sandra Lee, Hong Kong's Permenant Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, and Hong Kong Airport Authority Chief Executive Officer, David Pang.

Qatar Airways celebrated its first route launch of 2006 with Hong Kong becoming the airline's 70th destination at the start of the new Summer 2006 flying programme. The daily scheduled service operates non-stop from Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, to Hong Kong - the airline's third gateway in Greater China.

Qatar Airways already serves the Chinese capital Beijing and commercial centre of Shanghai with four flights a week to each city non-stop from Doha.

Hong Kong becomes Qatar Airways' 12th Far East destination in a regional route network that already covers Osaka, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, Manila, Cebu, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Yangon and Jakarta.

Soon after landing in Hong Kong, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said he was delighted to see Qatar Airways spread its wings in the Far East - but in particular into Greater China.

'Qatar has developed very close ties with Greater China and our new service to Hong Kong marks a very significant step to strengthening ties in this part of the world.

'I am delighted on behalf of Qatar Airways to be here in Hong Kong on this very historic day marking the launch of our daily services from Doha to Hong Kong,' he said.

'Furthermore, we have brought our award-winning Five Star service to the people of Hong Kong and look forward to have them onboard to experience our unique inflight hospitality that we are renowned for around the world.

'Qatar Airways has a strategy to serve key cities around the world. Hong Kong is a must for any airline to serve - and Qatar Airways is no exception.'

Added Al Baker: 'With the introduction of Qatar Airways' flights to and from Hong Kong, we are linking not just two key markets, but offering the travelling public with convenient connections to many exciting destinations via Doha to the Middle East, Levant, Seychelles, Maldives, South Africa, as well as Europe."

'Today also marks the start of a third daily flight from Doha to London Heathrow which offers excellent connections to passengers travelling from Hong Kong to Doha.'

As part of the Hong Kong launch marketing campaign, Qatar Airways has embarked on a brand awareness drive across the city. Buses, underground railway stations and the city's Airport Express Line station are fully branded with Qatar Airways' new corporate campaign.

The campaign focuses on evocative images, with headlines asking consumers to evaluate their current choice of airline and provokes them to think about flying with Qatar Airways. The brand message is designed to give consumers a fresh perspective on air travel.

To celebrate the new route launch, Qatar Airways is also offering members of its Privilege Club frequent flyer programme travelling in Business Class with an additional 25,000 Qmiles during the first full month of the Hong Kong flights. This means that after just one round trip, passengers will have sufficient Qmiles for another free trip to Hong Kong in Economy Class.

In addition, Privilege Club members travelling in Economy will receive Double Qmiles for the first full month of the new route.

The new Hong Kong service is operated with the state-of-the-art Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, configured in two classes. Business Class features up to 24 seats reclining 160 degrees in a 2-2-2 configuration, while the Economy cabin has up to 259 seats.

The A330s feature the airline's award-winning Audio Video On Demand interactive entertainment system, allowing passengers in all classes to choose from more than 40 international movies, as well as short programmes to view on their individual TV screens. Passengers can also listen to an extensive list of 250 CDs and 16 audio channels. In addition, there is a choice of 12 video games to play through the interactive TV screens.

The Hong Kong service is launched in a year when Qatar hosts the 15th Asian Games. Qatar Airways is the Official Airline of the Games, which take place over a two-week period in December.

Qatar4Ever

March 27th, 2006, 08:08 PM

good.. coz ud sure need one hell of a big... u7m.. to do a roundabout..

dave550

March 27th, 2006, 09:24 PM

^^How do you know? Are you sure? Did you have any experience?

hkskyline

April 1st, 2006, 05:38 AM

Qatar Airways spreads its wings with focus on Asia
28 March 2006
South China Morning Post

Qatar Airways will fly to at least four new destinations in Asia this year as the Middle Eastern carrier looks to establish itself as one of the region's elite airlines.

The airline took its maiden flight to Hong Kong on Sunday and is committed to opening nine other services this year, including New York and a city in Australia. But the lion's share of the expansion would be in Asia, chief executive Akbar Al-Baker said.

"Fifty per cent of the [10 new flights] will be in Asia," Mr Al-Baker told the South China Morning Post. "Commercial reasons prevent me from telling you the other destinations."

He would not say if a new China service - it flies to Shanghai and Beijing four times a week - was in the cards.

Mr Al-Baker said the world's present geopolitical situation would probably compel more Middle Eastern travellers to visit the Far East for the foreseeable future.

He said the west's growing association of the Middle East with terrorism had led to travellers from the region not being "as welcome in some parts of the world".

"More and more people are heading to the Far East for shopping and tourism," he said. "So we expect the growth to be the largest to the Far East."

Hong Kong benefited from that trend last year with arrivals from the Middle East falling just short of 121,000, up 32.7 per cent year on year.

Qatar, which aggressively entered the Hong Kong market with a daily service, will be up against some of the world's most respected airlines in Asia, including Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore Airlines and Qantas Airways.

But it is well capitalised and has extraordinary expansion plans, signing letters of intent recently for 60 new-generation Airbus A350s and 20 Boeing 777s worth US$15.2 billion at list prices.

The carrier expected to expand its fleet of 44 aircraft to 110 by 2015 without slashing ticket prices to fill seats, Mr Al-Baker said.

"We don't believe in dumping prices just to gain market share," he said. "Just like any other carrier that launches a new route, there is an attractive introductory offer. But that won't last forever."

Qatar, 50 per cent owned by the Qatari government, will also add 10 A340-600s in the next two years and is a launch customer for the massive A380 passenger jet.

Mr Al-Baker said he intended to take the group public, but not until the airline started to make money, perhaps "in four to five years".

"It will only happen after we establish ourselves strongly, once we have consolidated our position, and the airline has returned a profit for three consecutive years," he said. "It is very difficult because we keep shifting the goalposts to our expansion plans, making more and more aggressive business plans."

elfreako

April 2nd, 2006, 12:47 PM

So what are the cities? My wish list:

1. Nagoya
2. Guangzhou
3. Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon
4. Kabul
5. Dar Es Salam
6. New York
7. Kiev
8. Durban
9. Lagos
10. Melbourne

Qatar4Ever

April 2nd, 2006, 12:54 PM

london baby

kravatte

April 2nd, 2006, 01:00 PM

Halawala

April 2nd, 2006, 02:02 PM

I've heard that the Doha-Madrid route is having an excellent occupation rate and that direct flights between Doha and Madrid are already programmed...can anyone confirm that?

Yes, Kravatte, the flights as of now are operating direct non-stop three times a week.

Krazy

April 10th, 2006, 03:53 AM

Qatar Airways introduces third daily flight to London

Dubai: Qatar Airways has introduced a third daily flight between Doha and London Heathrow as part of its expansion in the UK market.

In addition, the airline's Doha-Manchester route has been upgraded from five flights a week to a daily service, all operating non-stop. The new schedules come into effect to mark the beginning of the Summer 2006 flying programme.

The total number of weekly flights to the UK increases from 26 to 35 spread across London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester representing a 35 per cent rise in frequency.

During the recent round of talks between the British and Qatari authorities in London, Qatar Airways was granted additional flying rights to the British capital.

Qatar Airways strengthens its relationship with UK-based carrier Bmi which codeshares on the new flights between the UK and Qatar. Bmi already codeshares on Qatar Airways' existing Manchester and Heathrow services. Qatar Airways places its code on 78 Bmi flights within the UK and to continental Europe.

The launch of a third daily flight on the London Heathrow route sees the introduction of a morning service from Doha, with the return flight leaving London mid-afternoon on the same day and arriving back shortly before midnight.

With Qatar Airways' Manchester flights going daily and the airline already serving London Gatwick daily, total capacity between Doha and the UK has risen from 26 to 35 flights a week.

Halawala

April 11th, 2006, 12:33 PM

Doha, Manila extra flights

Qatar Airways has increased frequency on the Doha to Manila route with the introduction of two new weekly flights. The extra capacity takes the number of weekly services to nine. The additional flights operate non-stop using an Airbus A330-200 in a two-class configuration.

Pish-REZ-pash

April 11th, 2006, 11:56 PM

hey people

since this thread talks about Qatar Airways, here's a post I found from another site about the inside news of Qatar Airways' operations from a pilot who works (or worked) there

HI GUYS!,

AS I’VE HEARD SO MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT QR, I DECIDED TO MAKE A LIST OF THE MAIN THINGS THAT MADE ME LEAVE THE FACISM OF ITS MANAGEMENT AND THE LACK OF HUMANITARIAN CONCERNS.

I WANT ALL OF YOU GUYS OVER THERE TO GIVE A PICTURE TO THE PEOPLE ‘OUT THERE’ ABOUT WHAT GOES ON BEHIND THE “ORYX SMILE” AND THE ‘5 STARS AIRLINE’ !!!

>>> HERE THERE IS A LIST OF DAILY FACTS ABOUT QR, SOME OF THEM, WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE ON THE ‘SERIOUS’ AVIATION WORLD:

- You will be Flying up to 11 to 12 hours, without being able to rest, to READ A MAGAZINE, to drink a stupid tea or coffee seated in you jump seat ..!! So it means during this 16 hours duty, you will only be able to go to toilet or eat your meals standing or seated on a metal container...

- YOU HAVE "CURFEW" YES YES!! CURFEW!!!... IN FEMALE AND NOW IN MALE ACCOMMODATIONS, SO FORGET ABOUT HAVING A MEETING WITH FRIENDS AFTER THIS TIME... (Curfew hours 07,00AM to 22,00PM)

- The "Renamed 5 stars Skytrax Airline" Has a bunch of slavers GROUND STAFF That ARE NOT ALLOWED!! Yes listen to this, FORBIDDEN!! to come out of their accommodation after 22,00. THEY CAN ONLY COME OUT OF "JAIL" FOR NIGHT SHIFT DUTY HOURS.

- Cabin Crew are NOT ALLOWED (In risk of losing their jobs), to use Mobiles... yes guys!!, for those that are there in the normal world!!, SIMPLE MOBILES!!!... in public. Not to eat in public, you can't seat in a restaurant or bar in Uniform, plus so many other restrictions that are very difficult to recall!!…

- CRM is totally absent in most of the flights. Some CSD/CSs freeze the briefing room from the very beginning threatening people of being reported or off loaded in case of a single mistake on Safety and Emergency procedures.

- Most of the Crew are in a negative Morale, so mostly the only thing you can see are long-faces and frowns, that let down automatically any single wreckage of positivism...!!!...

- There is a "satanic" net of backstabbers and office reporters. Check in staff report Ramp Operators, these guys to ops, ops to the Crew and specially rostering to Flight Crew Staff and Vice versa. Really, is a disgusting environment to work in.

- The Flight Deck is under constant threaten of being reported by such "Net", because as such stupid things like having a coffee at the "wrong" time, asking what they're not supposed to ask, etc... There's a total animosity between F/Deck and Cabin Crew (pushed by the office and its Memos).

- A Passenger complaint regardless the cause, will mostly sure end up in a demotion or termination!!! , even for subjects that they are not controllable by the Crew itself. So no matter how well you do your job, you can be a victim of this system…

- YOU ARE OBLIGED TO ANSWER YOUR MOBILE PHONES, AND BE AVAILABLE FOR DUTY AT ANY TIME, AS PER MEMO SIGNED BY AAB!!!!!... No excuses are admitted, so forget about having a private life..!!!!... No off is a real off, and you'll be tracked by rostering at any time, when the shortage of crew is extreme…! (and it is all the time!…)

- People is leaving in mass, so be prepared to operate full flight with minimum crew, lots of minimum rests, CSs acting as CSDs, and First Class crew as Cabin Seniors in economy class cabin!!!!.... (Just don't forget that this is not a LOW COST airline, but in the other way around, the service is almost impossible to accomplish in the given time for each sector, and they continue adding things to it, without considering that fact people is SICK and will continue leaving!!!)...

- Minimum Rests is a common usage, but the problem is that they're usually fitted between long haul sectors, without considering the time difference and the physiological effect on the time difference. (A clear example of this is the F/Deck crew of A330 fleet, which come from BKK or SHANGAI in the morning and the same night they fly to LHR or MAN!!!)...

- The Cabin Crew is mostly "SUBMISSIVE" at the point that they jeopardize the safety of the flight. Saying NO to a passenger is something most of the crew is afraid of, because of the consequences, it might bring. Giving drinks until passenger is dangerously drunk is a common usage, specially if the passenger threatens the crew with a complaint.

- Because of the lack of people the recruitment level is dropping astonishingly. Some of the Crew, no matter from where from, THEY DO HARDLY SPEAK ENGLISH. (No Comment!...)

- Ethnic conflicts are a big matter, regardless nationality. Arabic-Indian is one of those big ones. Cabin quarrels, regardless the length of the flight, are usual. (51 nationalities, big chaos, isn't it? Especially under this kind of management)

- TEAM WORK, CRM, HELPING FLIGHT MATES, ETC ETC ... Bu**IT!!!!.... Only happens in very few flights.

- Promotions system is TOTALLY UNFAIR. DIRECT ENTRY CAPTAINS ARE BROUGHT INTO THE COMPANY WITHOUT TYPE, AND EXCELLENT AND SENIOR FIRST OFFICERS ARE KEPT IN THE NEVER ENDING WAITING LIST!!. (No Comment!...)

- Reporting SICK, regardless the cause (exhaustion, illness or whatever), is a painy process in which you will be guilty of lying no matter if you are really ill or not. You'll be treated more like a criminal or big liar rather than somebody that has an impossibility to work. Calls to your house to check your location, even if you have a broken finger are a common usage. Even made by the CEO!!!!...

- Demotions and Termination is the common "language of fear" triggered by AAB and Allies. JUST REFER TO THE OTHER FORUMS ON THESE SPECIFICAL MATTERS AND CONFIRM IT YOURSELF!...

- British Crew on LGW Flights???, (Like one of the Forums say) or Thai Crew on Bangkok Flight???? Forget it!. THE MISSION IS NOT TO ALLOW ANYONE TO ENJOY. IF YOU'RE ASIAN YOU WILL MOSTLY FLIGHT EUROPEAN SECTORS. OTHER NATIONALITIES MOSTLY ASIAN SECTORS, AND THE ARAB GUYS MOSTLY INDIAN SECTORS AND ASIAN SECTORS AND LHR...! Of COURSE, THAT ONE, IS THE TOP PRIORITY OF THE COMPANY! ...

- Westerners, and whoever has the possibility, will leave. That's why British and European Crew had FLEE!!!!... TO THIS SLAVERY. UNLUCKILY, SOME PEOPLE FROM THE COUNTRIES WITH MANY NECESSITIES, THEY WILL HAVE TO BE PART OF THIS SYSTEM, AND I UNDERSTAND THE LACK OF CHOICE THE SITUATION OFFERS.

- WAIT!, This Slavery was not Enough !!!... NOW THE LATEST RUMOURS ARE GETTING STRONG ABOUT A CURFEW AT NIGHT FOR GIRLS (THE SAME APPLIED FOR GROUND STAFF!!!)... PLUS!!!...>>

** 12 HOURS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT YOU HAVE TO BE AT HOME RESTING. SO MEANING, YOU HAVE TO SIGN IN AND SIGN OFF FROM YOUR ACCOMMODATION!!!!..**

***** TOTAL SLAVERY *****

- This new measure they will apply, about Signing straight from the company accommodations, is directed to cut from the root the fleeing pilgrimage of Crew. Especially the Indian Sub-Continent Crew. With this compulsory 12 hours rest in your flat, they want to avoid the people from showing up on interviews for the Extremely Rocketed Indian Aviation Sector. (JET AIRWAYS, AI EXPRESS, KING FISHER…) GOING TO MUMBAI IN 3 DAYS OFF IS BECOMING AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK!!!…

- On Arrivals on flights to Europe and Far East, the Crew is completely exhausted, in most of the cases 3 or 4 of the crew members in charge of EGA Doors (that haven't slept for around 10 hours at night), fall asleep at the time of touching down. This time is one of the most crucial times + t/off, and I can tell you, that the guys that should save your life are completely CRACKED!... (NO RESTING during Long Haul night flights at all!...)...

- STD BY duty hours, and Dead Heading Duty time is UNPAID!!!!... ( No Comment!...)...

- CREW are requested to follow even an off duty dress code!! hahaha… Here we are not talking about respecting the Muslim culture, what I consider right, but we are saying that even in Europe you will be asked to maintain "decorum"....)

- As a Cabin Crew you're not entitled to carry anything rather than your trolley and baggage. Even a small duty free bag can be subject of a reprimand.

- Now if you're staff traveling off duty, you're not allowed to take your correspondent amenity kit. (hahaha, this system is sick!…)

- PRIVACY is something that we left back at home all of us. “Surprise spot Checks”, as they’re called, are another SS Nazi GESTAPO common practice. Your company accommodation flat might be checked at any time, in a TOTAL LACK OF RESPECT FOR THE CONCEPT OF PROPERTY PRIVACY RIGHT. Forget it about having a stupid beer, to cool down when coming back from a flight. (Though, Qatar is a Muslim state, drinking alcohol in private is allowed if having proper permission. Of Course QR employees ARE TOTALLY EXEMPTED TO THIS RULE, excepting F/Deck).

- Whoever visits your flat (Wife, Lover, Cousin … etc etc), will have to “sign on” at the entrance of the flat. So the office, will know also at what time you go to Toilet!!!… So SAD!… It’s like some kind of Alcatraz.

- Whatever Disco you go in Doha (Obviously in Hotels only), you’ll find some sh**ty people, asking you what’s your next duty. If you’re are flying the next day don’t answer to anyone. Many time it had happened that the office will call you next day. Nice people.. no?

- Applying for another airline?? FORGET IT!… It is widely known about agreements with the most important ones in the gulf. It is supposedly agreed with EK, EY and others around the gulf, that if you apply with them while being in QR you’ll be Terminated. Truth or Not, this “agreement thing”, is recalled by our beloved CEO every time he wants to threaten people about leaving!!… So, it means you’re trapped here in Auschwitz…!!! (god bless people that was there).

*** HALLAS!, ENOUGH QATAR AIRWAYS FOR ME ***

BECAUSE OF ALL THE FACTS LISTED ABOVE, I LEFT THIS GESTAPO WORKING CONCENTRATION CAMP. IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO JOIN AND THIS IS NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU, JUST CROSS CHECK WITH SOME OTHERS POSTS ALL AROUND PPRUNE.

I’VE HEARD BEFORE THAT QR IS “HELL” OR NOT REALLY “RECOMMENDABLE” TO WORK IN, BUT I AIMED WITH THIS EXTENSIVE POST, TO GIVE A GENERAL IDEA ABOUT WHAT WE MEANT WITH THIS CONCEPT.

I THINK THE ONLY “HOPE” FOR THE PEOPLE WORKING IN QR, IS THAT THE NEED TO COMPLY WITH FAA FAR REGULATIONS TO FLY TO UNITED STATES, WILL CHANGE SOME OF THESE ABOVE.

WHAT I CAN’T BELIEVE IS THAT THE EUROPEAN UNION, CAN ALLOW AN AIRLINE WITH SO MANY DEFICITS TO OPERATE INTO THEIR BOUNDARIES.

JUST REMEMBER THAT MOST OF THE QR CREW IS PHYSIOLOGICALLY UNFIT, AND IS FLYING ALL AROUND EUROPE AND THE UK. DO YOU THINK SOMEBODY CAN BE MENTALLY FIT UNDER SO MANY RESTRICTIONS ???…

AND IN THE END, DO YOU THINK THIS IS 5 STARS AIRLINE???????…

Halawala

April 12th, 2006, 10:06 AM

Pish-REZ-pash

April 12th, 2006, 10:53 AM

^^^ Obviously this report is completely biased and infactual. You seem to have a personal problem with this airline. Some people in my family are pilots and as far as this post goes, its Bull Shit. As far as it goes, QR is 5 star airline and those who do not want to work it in, can simply Q U I T or simply hit their heads in the wall!

its not really a personal problem if that's your understanding of it so I wouldn't jump to conclusions like you did. Besdies this is obviously coming from a PROFESSIONAL PILOT so yeah he has an idea on how an airline is run. Obviously these restrictions would never apply to Qatari crew or staff so don't expect a 5-star airline to be perfect (that's why I laugh at the idea of such a new airline becoming a 5-star carrier)

p.s haven't you heard of the rape incident of a qatari airways flight attendant in singapore???

Halawala

April 12th, 2006, 11:48 AM

its not really a personal problem if that's your understanding of it so I wouldn't jump to conclusions like you did. Besdies this is obviously coming from a PROFESSIONAL PILOT so yeah he has an idea on how an airline is run. Obviously these restrictions would never apply to Qatari crew or staff so don't expect a 5-star airline to be perfect (that's why I laugh at the idea of such a new airline becoming a 5-star carrier)

p.s haven't you heard of the rape incident of a qatari airways flight attendant in singapore???

I think it is a personal problem 'cause you talk about QR's CEO in another thread about him being a military guy or something. You clearly dont know anything about the whole subject. Staff, wheather they are from QR, EK, BA, ect. are humans, and humans as you know (or may not know) can be good or bad--to put it in simple terms. So, this rape incident is an INCIDENT meaning one story out of the millions out there. So, what does this rape incident (in singapore) have to do anything with QR service and staff arrangements??? There was a similar rape incident involving a BA flight attendant outside a Dubai Bar. Does it mean that BA management purposely exposes its workers to rape? You are not making any sense... So, don't YOU bring any generalizations or hasty conclusions based on one incident.

Pish-REZ-pash

April 12th, 2006, 04:21 PM

I think it is a personal problem 'cause you talk about QR's CEO in another thread about him being a military guy or something. You clearly dont know anything about the whole subject. Staff, wheather they are from QR, EK, BA, ect. are humans, and humans as you know (or may not know) can be good or bad--to put it in simple terms. So, this rape incident is an INCIDENT meaning one story out of the millions out there. So, what does this rape incident (in singapore) have to do anything with QR service and staff arrangements??? There was a similar rape incident involving a BA flight attendant outside a Dubai Bar. Does it mean that BA management purposely exposes its workers to rape? You are not making any sense... So, don't YOU bring any generalizations or hasty conclusions based on one incident.

see you're doing again by jumping the gun, so far you have not proved any of the connections you mentioned above. And about the pilot's remark you think he's the only one in the airline complaining? Hell no there might be hundreds and thousands of him supporting his argument but if you keep looking at one side of the story then you may not get the whole inside picture.

And besides even if I do mention the guy and his airline atleast I'm pointing out to a few points of concern with regards to how they run the show. You see there is a thing called ethics. And to run a business ETHICALLY means to show the utmost respect to yourself and your employees> It is also worth noting that no one(not even an employer) has the right to threaten anyone for that matter and to avoid incidents like this.

Al Baker has been calling all CSD's and senior crew into the office after flight or on days off (whats left of them) and told crew that basically they are crap at their jobs!

CSD's have been told that they are not pulling their weight in first class and they need to work throughout the cabin.

He has stated that he will cancel flights and stop ordering aircraft as he doesnt care if the crew are short staffed. He said that the crew have been behaving like European crew onboard and it is not acceptable - he said that Hindi speakers are not using their language onboard

Al Baker also said that the QR crew should think themselves lucky as they have free accommodation where as some people in Doha are living 10 to 1 room.

Anyone who is terminated will have to leave Doha now within 24hrs and AAB said that if anyone has a loan to pay when terminated will have to go to jail!

Ive also heard that he doesnt want Europeans there just people who are prepared to work and appreciate working for QR.

A female cabin crew member who recently had been terminated after flying for 2 weeks, why? A passenger contacted QR and said that she didnt smile wheilst serving.

BTW CSD's are Cabin Service Directors

dave550

April 13th, 2006, 04:34 AM

Pish-Rez-Pash thank you for sharing this info with us. I know a lot of friends "Americans and Europeans" that work with Akbar in QA, they actually love it. And when I was thinking about getting an internship, they recommended me to go work in QA, cause the co. is offering a very friendly and comfortable working ambience.

Pish-REZ-pash

April 13th, 2006, 12:15 PM

Halawala

April 14th, 2006, 01:48 PM

see you're doing again by jumping the gun, so far you have not proved any of the connections you mentioned above. And about the pilot's remark you think he's the only one in the airline complaining? Hell no there might be hundreds and thousands of him supporting his argument but if you keep looking at one side of the story then you may not get the whole inside picture.

And besides even if I do mention the guy and his airline atleast I'm pointing out to a few points of concern with regards to how they run the show. You see there is a thing called ethics. And to run a business ETHICALLY means to show the utmost respect to yourself and your employees> It is also worth noting that no one(not even an employer) has the right to threaten anyone for that matter and to avoid incidents like this.

BTW CSD's are Cabin Service Directors

You are the one judging a whole airline by what one member of the staff says. I dont need to prove my arguments cause as far as it goes, a person's innocent until proven guilty. But, to help you out go to www.airlinequality.com and see how QR became a 5-star airline. Believe me, flight attendants and pilots have extremely difficult jobs because they travel a lot. They have their ups and downs. PS. QR doesnt have hundreds or thousands of pilots in staff--so they cant be all complaining! hehe. I can tell you that QR staff are perhaps the most ethical staff of any company I know. They helped me personally, in extremely difficult situations (which are personal) and therefore that is the reason why I feel strongly about Al-Baker.

Pish-REZ-pash

April 14th, 2006, 11:59 PM

You are the one judging a whole airline by what one member of the staff says.

so who else do you think runs the airline coz I don't think the passengers can really dictate its internal operations

I dont need to prove my arguments cause as far as it goes, a person's innocent until proven guilty.

if you're referring to the rape case then yes you have a point, but if its about the management then the verdict is already out

But, to help you out go to www.airlinequality.com and see how QR became a 5-star airline.

don't need to rely on a site to tell me which airline to travel

Believe me, flight attendants and pilots have extremely difficult jobs because they travel a lot.They have their ups and downs.

no shit sherlock how did you figure that out?? Besides my father was a pilto and so were my uncles so yeah I have a good background on middle-eastern aviation. Oh and did you know QR failed the FAA Safety Audit 3 times?? :runaway:

PS. QR doesnt have hundreds or thousands of pilots in staff--so they cant be all complaining! hehe.

good point you made there but from what I hear I guess there aren't that many happy campers

I can tell you that QR staff are perhaps the most ethical staff of any company I know. They helped me personally, in extremely difficult situations (which are personal) and therefore that is the reason why I feel strongly about Al-Baker.

it depends on which staff you are talking about though, if you mean by ground staff then yes that's part of their job, but goin g up the corporate ladder means blurring the line of ethics. Plus from that interview I read from Al-Baker in a magazine i'm starting to think he's lost it BIG TIME

IRON CLAW......................... :runaway:

one thing to note that Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Air Arabia would have never existed if it werent for Gulf Air :cheers:

dave550

April 15th, 2006, 03:45 AM

All the American airlines suck. And most of the other copanies that I have tried were good except for Gulf Air.

Pish-REZ-pash

April 15th, 2006, 06:39 AM

All the American airlines suck. And most of the other copanies that I have tried were good except for Gulf Air.

they've sucked way before 9/11

dave550

April 16th, 2006, 07:21 PM

^^true

Pish-REZ-pash

April 16th, 2006, 10:11 PM

its just no airline in North America (except Air Canada) has bothered to improve their product despite their huge fleets

Halawala

April 16th, 2006, 10:27 PM

Air Canada currenltly are installing PTV in all its fleet, including the Embarer aircraft. Delta is somewhat improving though, as it merges Song with its fleet. The rest are crap.

Kuwait4Ever

April 16th, 2006, 11:01 PM

In the summer i will travel with the Qatariya ill c if it really deserves 5 stars

Pish-REZ-pash

April 16th, 2006, 11:48 PM

Air Canada currenltly are installing PTV in all its fleet, including the Embarer aircraft. Delta is somewhat improving though, as it merges Song with its fleet. The rest are crap.

Delta's product is horrifying :runaway:

Halawala

April 17th, 2006, 12:15 AM

I know, that is why I never use American planes when going to America. I usually fly BA all the way! However, when going domestically I am forced to use these airlines. The planes are so old, smelly, and look absolutely filthy. Plus, you have to change flights alots at hubs such as ATL or JFK.

Pish-REZ-pash

April 17th, 2006, 11:07 AM

Halawala

April 17th, 2006, 11:45 AM

^^I would--but my parents have a problem with LCC's, even though me and you both know that Jetblue is a thousand times better than AA or DL in terms of quality. hehehe.

Pish-REZ-pash

April 17th, 2006, 10:50 PM

^^I would--but my parents have a problem with LCC's, even though me and you both know that Jetblue is a thousand times better than AA or DL in terms of quality. hehehe.

that must be from their perception of LCC carriers like Southwest and EasyJet. But JetBlue is jus like any regular airline from what I heard

Halawala

April 18th, 2006, 03:54 PM

This picture is the first ever A340-600 HGW due to be delievered later this year in the new QR livery!

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/4135/864813nn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Pish-REZ-pash

April 20th, 2006, 03:51 PM

hmm interesting livery on the flying pencil

zee

April 22nd, 2006, 04:38 PM

Qatar Airways bags award

22 April 2006

DOHA — Qatar’s national carrier has bagged the Middle East Finance Deal of The Year Award for the second time in three years at the Annual New York Air Finance Conference, organised by the London-based Air Finance Journal, published by Euromoney Plc.

The growth of Qatar Airways over the next few years, coupled with rising demand for the latest, state-of-the-art Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE), means that the airline is investing heavily in new equipment. The award-winning facility will finance over $250 million worth of BFE over a four-year period, in a deal struck last year with BNP Paribas, Citigroup and Qatar National Bank. “The facility was established to finance BFE, comprising items such as galleys, seats and in-flight entertainment bought directly from suppliers, for a fleet of 25 Airbus aircraft”, explains Qatar Airways’ CEO, Akbar Al Baker. “I would like to thank the three banks involved in this deal for their support. We are very pleased to have been working with such a strong group of banks.”

Pish-REZ-pash

April 23rd, 2006, 01:56 PM

and while they bag awards as well

Qatar Airways abuses British “white trash” passenger as reported by AlJazeera.com on4/22/2006 10:00GMT

Official investigation to be launched into the racial harassment of a British passenger by Qatar Airways.

It is no secret that the quality of Qatar Airways customer service has significantly declined. Last month 1,239 complaints were filed by furious passengers who fell victim to Qatar Airways customer service incompetence.

Complaints ranged from food poisoning, takeoff delays of upto 7 hours, regular overbooking and in this case, racism directed towards an innocent British passenger.

According to passengers on board Qatar Airways flight 110 from Doha to Dubai last week, Egyptian check-in supervisor Seham Samei launched a loud aggressive verbal onslaught of a terrified looking British passenger.

"She verbally abused, even calling him white trash, then threw his bags onto the floor" said witness George Hanover. "A group of us tried to complain about Seham Samei but Qatar Airways staff refused to take any action. I'm never flying Qatar Airways again!"

Complaints are now being processed by the International Air Transport Association IATA and the British passenger is preparing legal action against Seham Samei and Qatar Airways.

While Qatar Airways claims to be customer focused - Providing them with genuine service and hospitality every time they travel with them - a service that is personalised and tailored to their needs. They also claim to be committed to people-employing dedicated staff, caring for people from all cultures and backgrounds. The reality seems far from this with increasing complaints being filed against the airline.

Qatar Airways refused to comment on the issue however it has been reported that Seham Samei was recently promoted. A lawyer acting on behalf of the British passenger stated "it is absolutely shocking that such racial hatred is tolerated by Qatar Airways, we intend to take this matter to the highest authorities and demand action be taken against Seham Samei and the airline."

Other complaints filed last month include regular discrimination shown towards non-Qatari passengers with Qataris being given first choice in upgrades to first and business classes. Witness George Hanover stated "passengers treated less fairly because of their race, colour, descent, national origin or ethnic origin is identified as direct discrimination and is illegal in most civilised countries".

IATA has approved the following regulations for passengers who have been denied boarding as a result of overbooking:
a: For flights < 1500km : € 250 indemnification
b: For flights >1500 km < 3500 km: € 400
c: For flights exceeding 3500km : € 600

However none of the 639 overbooked passengers flying Qatar Airways in March received any compensation.

Qatar Airways CEO, Akbar Al Baker refused to comment on any of these issues saying only that "we have made personal attention and service quality our trademark".

They bag a few passengers as well lol

where that's what you call a 5 STAR SERVICE lol

omarmakki

April 23rd, 2006, 02:52 PM

Care to give us a link to the source plz?

Pish-REZ-pash

April 23rd, 2006, 04:18 PM

Care to give us a link to the source plz?

here ya go

http://www.aljazeera.com/cgi-bin/review/article_full_story.asp?service_ID=11160

dave550

April 23rd, 2006, 07:02 PM

^^^I have come across this article about 2 days ago. I read it, but it doesn't seem true. And after all you can most definitely tell that it is one sided

Pish-REZ-pash

April 23rd, 2006, 07:24 PM

^^^I have come across this article about 2 days ago. I read it, but it doesn't seem true. And after all you can most definitely tell that it is one sided

hehe well I wouldn't be surprised anyways coz this is bound to happen sooner or later on any 5-STAR AIRLINE

omarmakki

April 23rd, 2006, 07:47 PM

Well, as you said Pish-REZ-pash... This could happen on any airline.
So, it MIGHT by true.
However, I don't really believe that promotion part.

Halawala

April 23rd, 2006, 10:37 PM

Pish-REZ-pash

April 23rd, 2006, 11:03 PM

This source is totally unreliable. Aljazeera.com is by no way related to aljazeera.net (the real one). This report is infactual and didn't come from a news source agency. We are not given the other side of the view and some of the information is false. How could IATA sue the QR worker? IATA is not responsible for customer relations within the airline itself!

I suggest asking the passengers who actually travel on Qatar Airways what they though about it.. Oh wait, here are two links (check it out):

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/qatar.htm
^^ Passenger opinions about Qatar Airways

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/emrts.htm
^^ Passenger opinions about Emirates

nearly every QR comment is positive, while the emirates one is mostly negative. These are opinions in which any passenger can write his or her views.

Skytrax are a VERY BIASED source of airline review that why their links dont mean shit to me and their reviews have ZERO credibility to me (look at the reviews and awards). Give me one good reason why should they be taken seriously??

oh and if you think this is an unreliable source then think again coz like you said it is in NO WAY related to the TV Channel but its an INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE under the same name with its own sources just like NewsWeek

and with regards to the passenger he has a very good chance for winnign the lawsuit because he/she did not recieve compensation from the airline

Halawala

April 23rd, 2006, 11:18 PM

Skytrax are a VERY BIASED source of airline review that why their links dont mean shit to me and their reviews have ZERO credibility to me (look at the reviews and awards). Give me one good reason why should they be taken seriously??

oh and if you think this is an unreliable source then think again coz like you said it is in NO WAY related to the TV Channel but its an INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE under the same name with its own sources just like NewsWeek

How could passenger opinons be biased? Any passenger experiencing with Qatar airways can post their opinions in it. I am not talking about Skytrax themselves, but about the personal opinions that passengers write explaining their views. Thats one good reason.

And about the AlJazeera.com thing, its clearly not reliable source b/c of the following:
--> Newsweek and Time have been there for decades-- you cant compare it to a start-up magazine. Why hasn't this news been on any other site? Answer this question--come on!
--> What kind of "respected" magazine has forum for posting opinions at the end of the article?
--> Do you in actuallity believe Qatar Airways will bash out people because of their race and ethnicity? Is that their goal--to become racist and insult people? If you think so, then you are the newest victim of prejudice.

Pish-REZ-pash

April 23rd, 2006, 11:58 PM

How could passenger opinons be biased? Any passenger experiencing with Qatar airways can post their opinions in it. I am not talking about Skytrax themselves, but about the personal opinions that passengers write explaining their views. Thats one good reason.

i was referring to the SITE not the passenger opinions if you notice all the QR ads plastered all over

And about the AlJazeera.com thing, its clearly not reliable source b/c of the following:
--> Newsweek and Time have been there for decades-- you cant compare it to a start-up magazine. Why hasn't this news been on any other site? Answer this question--come on!
--> What kind of "respected" magazine has forum for posting opinions at the end of the article?
--> Do you in actuallity believe Qatar Airways will bash out people because of their race and ethnicity? Is that their goal--to become racist and insult people? If you think so, then you are the newest victim of prejudice.

nothing to do with the main thread topic which is about QATAR AIRWAYS

wakrah-wi-bas

April 24th, 2006, 12:14 AM

i agree totally with Halawala. there's 2 sides for every story, and for each action there's a reaction. now, what prompted the check-in staff to act like this? unless she was forced to do so by a bad mannerd & rude passenger, who just because he's white, he thinks that he's God greastest gift to humanity.

i've witnessed here in qatar, some unrurly behaviour of some europeans & amrericans, who didn't have the slightest sense of courtesy & consideration, either to the country, the people or local customs.

now, i believe that mr albaker is very strict & he would not tolerate such a behaviour from both a QA staff or a passenger. meanwhile, let's wait and get the full details from an independent source within the next few days.

dave550

April 24th, 2006, 04:34 AM

People, forget about this. We are all sure that you can't possibly get a better treatment in any other airline company. I flew with QA and let me tell you, they are the best. You truly feel like a king when traveling with them. I mean the staff are just so nice, unlike my experiences with a whole lot of other companies. You know when I travel when any other airlines "I do it sometimes when I find a cheaper deal" my friends think that I am stupid in doing so

Pish-REZ-pash

April 24th, 2006, 08:19 AM

We are all sure that you can't possibly get a better treatment in any other airline company.

uhh yeah right

dave550

April 26th, 2006, 05:15 AM

Qatar Airways makes Middle East debut of new first class interiors and new exhibition stand

Qatar Airways makes the regional debut of its new-look First Class interiors and exhibition stand at the biggest travel fair in the Middle East next week.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) attracts the crème de la crème of the regional travel industry, from airlines, hotels, car rental companies and tourist boards to travel agents, tour operators and media from around the Middle East and rest of the world.

The four-day international show, being held in Dubai between May 2 - 5, provides Qatar Airways with the opportunity to showcase its award-winning Five Star hospitality to visitors and fellow exhibitors. ATM takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre in the heart of the city's business district.

Visitors to ATM will be given a preview of a mock-up of Qatar Airways' revolutionary First Class lounge, which will be introduced on the first of its new Airbus A340-600s being delivered this summer.

The lounge allows passengers to relax and eat in the comfort of their very own exclusive area at 35,000ft. Epitomizing 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.

Qatar Airways will also be showing its new aircraft livery, a striking look that sees the word 'QATAR' emblazoned across the fuselage in large bold burgundy-coloured letters and the tail fin painted with an image of the Oryx, national animal and icon of Qatar. The changes - the first since its relaunch in 1997 - reflect the confidence of the airline, moving from a small regional player of just nine years ago to a full-service award-winning international carrier.

Qatar Airways is the launch customer of the High Gross Weight version of the Airbus A340-600, which will be used to operate non-stop flights between Doha and Europe and the United States. The new livery will be rolled out from this summer with the arrival of the first A340-600. It will be progressively introduced on other aircraft as they are delivered, while the existing fleet of 46 aircraft will be repainted over a 12-month period.

At ATM, Qatar Airways will be exhibiting a 200sqm two-tier steel and glass structure - its biggest ever stand. The design concept reflects the theme of the New Doha International Airport, due to open in 2009.

The ceiling of the exhibition stand has a dramatic wavy structure, mirroring the design of the new airport that takes it inspiration from the sea. The new airport is being built on reclaimed land from the Arabian Gulf. There will also be angled glass walls to reflect large volumes of space. The upper floor of the exhibition stand features a bar and a VIP meeting area with plenty of hospitality space.

As the Official Airline Partner of the 15th Asian Games, being held over a two-week period in Doha in December 2006, Qatar Airways will also be unveiling its new marketing material promoting the sporting spectacle.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker will be heading a delegation of officials from the airline's corporate headquarters in Doha to ATM in Dubai.

'On behalf of Qatar Airways, I am delighted to once again be participating at Arabian Travel Market which has grown into the most important travel show in the region,'

he said.

'This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to see first hand Qatar Airways' new First Class lounge which is being introduced on our brand new A340-600 aircraft this summer. Our latest products will also be on show at ATM and, of course, visitors can experience our superb Arabic hospitality that we are so renowned for around the world.

'As a major player in the Middle East and, indeed, around the world, Qatar Airways believes in being visible and making its presence felt at shows like ATM. These highly important shows enable us to network with the travel trade and corporates from around the world under one roof.'

He added: 'The UAE is a key feeder market for Qatar Airways which has a total of 77 flights a week from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Doha, offering excellent connections to destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian sub-continent and the Far East.'

Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of 45 all-Airbus aircraft to 70 destinations from its hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar. Daily flights between Doha and Hong Kong were launched in March, marking the airline's historic 70th route.

Qatar Airways operates a total of 77 flights a week between Doha and the United Arab Emirates. Of these, Qatar Airways operates seven flights daily to Dubai and four flights a day to Abu Dhabi.

from: http://www.ameinfo.com/84036.html

dave550

April 26th, 2006, 05:16 AM

Qatar Airways is one of only four airlines in the world with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways' cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the third year running in 2005 and fifth best in the world following a survey of more than 12 million passengers worldwide.

The airline's fleet will almost triple in size over the next 10 years to 110 aircraft. Qatar Airways plans to acquire 60 of the new generation Airbus A350s and 20 Boeing 777s worth a total US$15.2 billion.

Qatar Airways averages just under 40 per cent annual growth in both passenger numbers and revenue. For the financial year ending March 31, Qatar Airways carried more than 6 million passengers worldwide.

from: http://www.ameinfo.com/84036.html

Pish-REZ-pash

April 26th, 2006, 12:09 PM

Qatar Airways canned their delivery of Boeing 777s

Halawala

April 26th, 2006, 12:35 PM

Qatar Airways canned their delivery of Boeing 777s

They'll go for the A340-600's instead--which is a good thing to me. Emirates, on the opposite side, cancelled their A340-600's and will go for more A380's.

Pish-REZ-pash

April 26th, 2006, 12:45 PM

They'll go for the A340-600's instead--which is a good thing to me. Emirates, on the opposite side, cancelled their A340-600's and will go for more A380's.

the A340-600 (a.k.a Flying Pencil) was part of their original fleet plan. But I don't see it as such a wise since the 777 has become the hottest aircraft on the market

Halawala

April 26th, 2006, 12:51 PM

the A340-600 (a.k.a Flying Pencil) was part of their original fleet plan. But I don't see it as such a wise since the 777 has become the hottest aircraft on the market

Oh so thats what you meant!! hehe! I dont know, but I like Airbus better than boeing, personally.

But QR got great deals on the A340's and it might be economically better for them than the 777's. Besides, the A340's are newer. The first A340'600 HGW ever made will be delievered to QR this summer and will be used on the London LHR route this summer.

So, to all who are traveling to London this summer on QR, you will ride on the a340-600 (some of the flights, though :))

margog

April 26th, 2006, 03:06 PM

when the A380 araived in qatar

Halawala

April 26th, 2006, 04:52 PM

2009 when the new airport opens :)

margog

April 26th, 2006, 05:32 PM

o rely... thats good wish u good luck guys

Pish-REZ-pash

April 26th, 2006, 11:00 PM

So, to all who are traveling to London this summer on QR, you will ride on the a340-600 (some of the flights, though :))

now that's a waste of quality aircraft on such a route

Personally these aircraft are well suited for routes such as Doha-Shanghai eastbound or Doha-Rio westbound

Halawala

April 26th, 2006, 11:08 PM

now that's a waste of quality aircraft on such a route

Personally these aircraft are well suited for routes such as Doha-Shanghai eastbound or Doha-Rio westbound

I know, thats what I thought. They are designed though for longer routes such as Doha-New York, Doha-Melbourne nonstop. I think they are there temporarily until they get approval to fly to USA and Australia direct.

Pish-REZ-pash

April 26th, 2006, 11:30 PM

I know, thats what I thought. They are designed though for longer routes such as Doha-New York, Doha-Melbourne nonstop. I think they are there temporarily until they get approval to fly to USA and Australia direct.

talk about over-capacity

Halawala

April 27th, 2006, 09:19 AM

Qatar Airways chief honoured by Horeca

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker with the Horeca Award.
DOHA: Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker has been honoured by Horeca, the Middle East's largest hospitality and food forum, with the 2005 award for `Fastest-Growing Airline' at its annual gala dinner and awards ceremony held at Le Royal Hotel in Beirut. Other hoteliers, restaurateurs and businessmen were also honored, an airline release said.

Al Baker, who is also chairman of the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), was given the award for his stewardship in transforming the company into a powerful regional and international business.

Recipients of the Horeca Awards were honored for their merit, inputs and contributions to the local and regional hospitality industry.

Guests at the glitzy dinner included renowned social and political figures. Speaking at the event, Joe Sarkis, Lebanon's Minister of Tourism, gave credit to Horeca for being a key driving force behind Lebanon's surging tourism industry.

Upon receiving the award, Al Baker said he was extremely honored on behalf of Qatar Airways for winning the latest in a string of accolades.

"The award is a credit to the workforce of Qatar Airways in making the airline the success that it is today. Qatar Airways is truly one of the leading players in the world with an exceptional growth strategy that is being watched closely and admired by industry observers," he said.

The CEO added: "Last month we achieved a milestone 70th destination in our global network when we launched daily flights between our hub in Doha and Hong Kong. Our annual growth averages an unprecedented 35 per cent and we look forward to even more significant achievements over the next few years."

Halawala

April 27th, 2006, 09:27 AM

talk about over-capacity

You are right. Based on O&D traffic between Qatar and the US, or Australia, the traffic is pretty low. But QR is basically a transit airline--where most of its passenger use it to get from one city in the world to another connecting via Doha. Of course there are many routes that are benifited from Doha itself, too. :)

Pish-REZ-pash

April 27th, 2006, 11:57 AM

You are right. Based on O&D traffic between Qatar and the US, or Australia, the traffic is pretty low. But QR is basically a transit airline--where most of its passenger use it to get from one city in the world to another connecting via Doha. Of course there are many routes that are benifited from Doha itself, too. :)

Transit airlines face some stiff competition from other airlines in terms of connections. At the moment Qatar Airways doesn't have enough connections to compete with the other airlines such as Emirates or Gulf Air (mind you Emirates' business model reminds me alot of the public transport systems in Australia).

And nowadays the new trend in aviation is the niche airlines that offer destinations to less-occupied marketes with better connections to major destinations (like Gulf Air's Dublin to Sydney routes)

Halawala

April 27th, 2006, 12:52 PM

Transit airlines face some stiff competition from other airlines in terms of connections. At the moment Qatar Airways doesn't have enough connections to compete with the other airlines such as Emirates or Gulf Air (mind you Emirates' business model reminds me alot of the public transport systems in Australia).

And nowadays the new trend in aviation is the niche airlines that offer destinations to less-occupied marketes with better connections to major destinations (like Gulf Air's Dublin to Sydney routes)

You are right about the first part, QR faces some tough competition. But right now, QR is bigger than GF in the aviation markets. But, QR is growing at an incrediable rate (almost 30% annually [approx.]) and they are going to expand to other key markets such as Australia and USA. Moreover, QR serves destinations with high frequency that EK doesn't such as Berlin, Madrid, Yangoon, Algiers [maybe] and Cape Town. Gulf Air is still too little in terms of destinations compared to QR and EK.

dave550

April 27th, 2006, 06:27 PM

^^Way to go QA

Pish-REZ-pash

April 29th, 2006, 09:06 AM

You are right about the first part, QR faces some tough competition. But right now, QR is bigger than GF in the aviation markets. But, QR is growing at an incrediable rate (almost 30% annually [approx.]) and they are going to expand to other key markets such as Australia and USA. Moreover, QR serves destinations with high frequency that EK doesn't such as Berlin, Madrid, Yangoon, Algiers [maybe] and Cape Town. Gulf Air is still too little in terms of destinations compared to QR and EK.

since when was a 3pw flight to Madrid considered high frequency??

Halawala

April 29th, 2006, 09:09 AM

since when was a 3pw flight to Madrid considered high frequency??

The flight used to be operated via Rome and now its served nonstop--hence the extra capacity and the high load factor.

Cheers

Pish-REZ-pash

April 29th, 2006, 12:30 PM

The flight used to be operated via Rome and now its served nonstop--hence the extra capacity and the high load factor.

Cheers

well something just crossed my mind

if Emirates and Gulf Air make money from expat populations in Australia by linking the continent to Greece, Lebanon, UK, and other countries, how the hell are Qatar Airways gonna pull it off without proper connections to large expat populations ?? :sleepy:

Halawala

April 29th, 2006, 12:52 PM

well something just crossed my mind

if Emirates and Gulf Air make money from expat populations in Australia by linking the continent to Greece, Lebanon, UK, and other countries, how the hell are Qatar Airways gonna pull it off without proper connections to large expat populations ?? :sleepy:

Well it has connections from UK, (4 dailies) and Greece (daily) and Lebanon (daily and double daily some days)??? It doesnt fly to Australia or North America but it transports almost 7 million people per year, which is a large number of passengers. Gulf air has been around for over 50 years and Emirates for over 21 years. QR started properly in 1997 and is now leading Gulf Air and competing with Emirates.

But I can see where you're going on this. QR needs to start services to North America, or Australia soon in order to spread its influence globally.

What do you mean QR doesn't have proper connections? I am not getting you?! :sleepy:

Pish-REZ-pash

April 29th, 2006, 01:05 PM

QR started properly in 1997 and is now leading Gulf Air and competing with Emirates

Leading?? bit of an understatement don't you think??

Halawala

April 29th, 2006, 03:00 PM

Leading?? bit of an understatement don't you think??

No, I don't. Its clearly leading Gulf Air in terms of quality of serivices, routes, and destinations.

Pish-REZ-pash

April 29th, 2006, 10:00 PM

No, I don't. Its clearly leading Gulf Air in terms of quality of serivices, routes, and destinations.

you forgot one thing

if it weren't for Gulf Air, Qatar Airways wouldn't have started in the first place

and besides Gulf Air is a LEGACY carrier (as in legendary service and history) while Qatar and Emirates will soon become like has-beens

Halawala

April 29th, 2006, 10:08 PM

you forgot one thing

if it weren't for Gulf Air, Qatar Airways wouldn't have started in the first place

and besides Gulf Air is a LEGACY carrier (as in legendary service and history) while Qatar and Emirates will soon become like has-beens

I didn't forget that. Gulf Air used to be the national airline of Qatar for decades! I used to travel Gulf Air alot before from Doha! QR started because Qatar aimed at creating an airline unique to Qatar, and not shared by other nations. GF was also loosing money a lot and pumping more money into it is very debtful for Qatar; so Qatar chose to focus on QR and see it today!

Pish-REZ-pash

April 30th, 2006, 09:07 AM

I didn't forget that. Gulf Air used to be the national airline of Qatar for decades! I used to travel Gulf Air alot before from Doha! QR started because Qatar aimed at creating an airline unique to Qatar, and not shared by other nations. GF was also loosing money a lot and pumping more money into it is very debtful for Qatar; so Qatar chose to focus on QR and see it today!

I guess times change don't they??

well the past is behind us and the future looks pretty good (to GF not QR which is gonna be in reallly really big trouble)

p.s if you don't believe me about QR in the red I have links to prove it to you

Jayme

April 30th, 2006, 09:28 AM

They might be flying to Melborune Australia .. i hope so becouse i can use Qater airways to fly to Lebanon i wounder what they are like its a 5 star airline it must b good

Jayme

April 30th, 2006, 09:42 AM

is gulf air still the natitional airline of Oman ?

Halawala

April 30th, 2006, 11:14 AM

I guess times change don't they??

well the past is behind us and the future looks pretty good (to GF not QR which is gonna be in reallly really big trouble)

p.s if you don't believe me about QR in the red I have links to prove it to you

No need to prove anything--I know that since Mr. Al Baker mentioned it more than once. But, QR will see a profitability from 2008 or 2009 due to its heavy investment in route-making and aircraft purchases. QR builds for the future. Even though it might be in the red now, two years later it will see profitability. GF just saw profitability recently after a decade(s) or more of losses. In fact, that is reason why QR pulled out of it.

Halawala

April 30th, 2006, 11:15 AM

is gulf air still the natitional airline of Oman ?

Yes, also Bahrain. They are the only 2 co-owners of GF. They should start Melbourne services later this year. They were granted only 3 flights pw, but in order to gain a profit, it has to be at least daily; so that is why negotiations are still ongoing. :)

margog

April 30th, 2006, 06:11 PM

Yes, also Bahrain. They are the only 2 co-owners of GF. They should start Melbourne services later this year. They were granted only 3 flights pw, but in order to gain a profit, it has to be at least daily; so that is why negotiations are still ongoing. :)

how about qatar and AD still they ownd gulf air ?

Kuwait4Ever

April 30th, 2006, 06:26 PM

I think now only Bahrain and Oman co own Gulf Air as Halawala said.

Pish-REZ-pash

May 1st, 2006, 03:42 AM

No need to prove anything--I know that since Mr. Al Baker mentioned it more than once. But, QR will see a profitability from 2008 or 2009 due to its heavy investment in route-making and aircraft purchases. QR builds for the future. Even though it might be in the red now, two years later it will see profitability. GF just saw profitability recently after a decade(s) or more of losses. In fact, that is reason why QR pulled out of it.

when I meant by RED I meant by DEEP SHIT

oops my bad :runaway:

Krazy

May 2nd, 2006, 03:00 PM

Sheikh Mohammed visits Qatar Airways stand at ATM 2006

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai visited Qatar Airways stand after officially inaugurating the Arabian Travel Market 2006 (ATM) held in Dubai from May 2nd to May 5th 2006 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/1/24831-atmqa.jpg

His Highness met with Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and a number of high ranking officials who gave His Highness a brief presentation on Qatar Airways' new First Class lounge which is being introduced on the company's brand new A340-600 aircraft.

Kuwait4Ever

May 4th, 2006, 04:45 PM

Qatar Airways today unveiled details of the world's only dedicated First and Business Class terminal currently under construction at Doha International Airport.

Yet another first for one of the world's fastest growing airlines, the exclusive building will feature innovative facilities to provide its most loyal customers with the best levels of comfort and hospitality prior to catching their flight. This is part of a US$200million expansion at the current airport.

Passengers travelling in First and Business Class with Qatar Airways will be able to enjoy a hassle-free experience from the time they check-in to departure on one of the award-winning airline's numerous scheduled flights to 70 destinations worldwide.

Speaking at a press conference in Dubai during Arabian Travel Market today, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the new facilities will cater for business and leisure travellers flying in the premium cabins.

Highlights of the new terminal are -

• Self-service check-in kiosks for passengers with hand baggage

• Dedicated e-gates to speed up immigration formalities

• Separate First and Business Class check-in desks

• Dedicated First and Business Class lounges, each with their own dining areas

• Duty-free shopping area of 1,000sqm selling many leading international brands

• Spa, jacuzzi and sauna for passengers to relax and unwind before their flight

• Massage treatments

• Shower and wash rooms

• Children's play area and nursery

• Conference room and meeting rooms

• Business centre with secretarial services

• Free Internet access stations

• Prayer rooms for men and women

• Medical centre

• Five boarding gates

• An integral part of the design will be an atrium and water feature in the centre of the building

Qatar Airways manages and operates Doha International Airport. It will also be responsible for the new premium class terminal, for exclusive use by Qatar Airways passengers departing for their international flights. Access to the new terminal will be via a new road with ample parking space.

Construction of the 10,000sqm building began earlier this year at a site next to the main terminal at Doha International Airport. Dubai-based Micekraft was appointed by Qatar Airways to design the new terminal interiors. Due to open this summer, the terminal will be operational round-the-clock.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said:

'The new terminal for premium passengers will be a big boost for Qatar Airways. It is the first of its kind, not only in the Middle East, but anywhere in the world."

'Qatar Airways prides itself on providing passengers with the best possible service and hospitality. The new terminal goes one step further by exceeding passenger's expectations. We truly are being recognised as being an industry leader for being innovative.

'Within the new environment, Qatar Airways will offer all our passengers travelling in First and Business Class the opportunity to relax in their very own exclusive area and enjoy the comforts of the terminal.

'The terminal is designed to create an inviting ambience - one of allowing passengers to relax, unwind and enjoy the excellent facilities such as a spa, jacuzzi, sauna and wonderful duty-free shopping on offer.

'There are dedicated First and Business Class lounges on the first floor featuring separate dining areas with hot and cold food available for passengers throughout the day.'

He added: 'For business travellers, we will have a conference room and meeting rooms together with secretarial services, aswell as free access to Internet stations within the terminal. With the introduction of dedicated e-gates, these will ensure passengers registered with e-cards are processed through immigration smoothly and efficiently.

Registered e-card passengers have their biometric personal data - name, passport details and fingerprints - embedded in the smart cards which are swiped through the e-gates prior to entering the departing lounge.

'As some of our passengers will also be travelling with their families, we haven't forgotten the needs of children who have a special play area, as well as a nursery.'

The new terminal development is part of a raft of improvements currently taking place at Doha International Airport, where the arrival and departure halls are being expanded to cope with the increasing number of passengers flying in and out of the airport.

An additional 21,000sqm of space is being added to the existing airport terminal. The number of boarding gates will be increased from 10 to 16; there will be two additional immigration counters; new e-gates in arrival and departure to speed up processing of passengers; and a sharp increase in the number of aircraft parking bays to ease the existing constraints and cope with the huge expansion of Qatar Airways' fleet.

By early next year, the number of parking bays at Doha International Airport will more than double from 19 to 40. Qatar Airways is the airport's largest customer, operating at least 90 per cent of flights.

The airline, which operates 46 all-Airbus jets, will boost its fleet by a further 18 aircraft during 2006 and 2007. The airport expansion will help facilitate the airline's growth.

The airport terminal expansion is due to be completed by June.

Added Al Baker: 'The airport expansion currently underway will significantly improve facilities and services at Doha International Airport."

'We fully understand the inconvenience being caused to passengers in Doha. There are currently capacity constraints at the airport, but we are working round-the-clock to complete the terminal extension and create more parking bays for our expanding fleet,' said Al Baker, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Doha International Airport.

http://www.ameinfo.com/84986.html

Halawala

May 5th, 2006, 06:17 PM

Is this airport terminal the one constructed near the VIP terminal? or is it the current airport building??

Kuwait4Ever

May 5th, 2006, 06:40 PM

Is this airport terminal the one constructed near the VIP terminal? or is it the current airport building??

I'm not sure but I think its the one in the current airport buildiing

Halawala

May 5th, 2006, 09:39 PM

They seriously should think about expanding this airport further. It is a complete mess, expecially at night where all the flights leave at once!! My flight got delayed for an hour simply because the buses werent enough!

lebaneseangel

May 5th, 2006, 11:31 PM

I flew QA Johannesburg to Seoul via Doha. They claimed to be a 5* airline (whatever that means). I was dissappointed with the aircraft they used on such a long distance flight- A330. The plane interior is crampy with poor leg room. Worse, on the stretch Doha-Seoul, the transit plane (A330) did not even have game controls or selection of movies in the eco cabin. This was more expected of a 3rd world airline, not a "5*" carrier. Fortunately the service was better, especially with a South African attendent whom I conversate wth in my home language & had a nice chat to ease the boredom.
no way ..they dont have movies or games on the seats???? i thought qatar airlines had everything.

i didnt see this airline on a 5 or 4 start list..but virgin atlantic is very good for entertainment. they had everything(video games, so many new movie releases,a complete music selction....i think its a economy plane to. i took it from san francisco to london..and i was surprised...even the food was delcious. i likes everythign except there wasnt much space

but i always see comercials for QA and it looks like they have a lot of space and comfertable seating on there planes

lebaneseangel

May 5th, 2006, 11:34 PM

ok i was wrong i just looked on that link someone provided it was a 4star airline..
anyways..if you want to live never catch cyprus airways!!!! i swear there planes are made out of plastic. last year when we went i really thought the plane would break. the plane was making the wierdest sounds.

omarmakki

May 6th, 2006, 03:42 PM

All airlines have old planes. 'Cause planes aren't like cars or even boats. You can't "sell" 'em when then get out of date!

dave550

May 6th, 2006, 08:34 PM

Whenever I used QA I was really satisfied witht heir services. They just do everything possible to make you more comfortable.

Halawala

May 6th, 2006, 11:15 PM

The only thing I hate about them is they sit on top of your head if you don't turn off your phone before take-off until you do. If I want to switch my phone to flight mode, they still insist that it should be off--even though the radation thingi is off. Other than that, they are alright!

dave550

May 7th, 2006, 07:17 AM

They have to be careful

omarmakki

May 7th, 2006, 09:09 AM

Can anybody tell me what this flight mode is about? I have it in my mobile but have no idea what it does!:D
It just seems to me as if I am turning off the phone!

Halawala

May 7th, 2006, 03:02 PM

Its when your phone is almost dead, (cant recieve calls, cant get calls) but your menu and screen are functioning. You can call it Offline Mode in Nokia. But i think you have a Sony Ericcsion or Imate. Right?

omarmakki

May 7th, 2006, 03:51 PM

Actually, it's a Siemens...

dave550

May 8th, 2006, 12:47 AM

I have it too, but never used it. Isn't it something like when the screensaver come out!!
Sorry I am not good with cell phones terminology

omarmakki

May 8th, 2006, 09:59 AM

Well, my phone just blanks out when I turn the flight mode on!

dave550

May 8th, 2006, 12:26 PM

I don't think mine does

Halawala

May 8th, 2006, 05:08 PM

These are pics for the new Luxury Terminal at DOH:

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/2883/firstclasslounge17fv.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/7396/firstclasslounge26pe.png (http://imageshack.us)

Pish-REZ-pash

May 9th, 2006, 12:05 AM

hmm looks neat to me, too bad it wont last long once the new airport is up and running

Halawala

May 9th, 2006, 06:06 AM

Qatar Airways to increase Berlin flight frequency

doha • Qatar Airways will be increasing the frequency of its flights to Berlin from the present four in the near future. This was stated yesterday at a press conference by Berlin Airport Vice-President for Marketing and Corporate Communications Burkhard Kieker yesterday, in the presence of Qatar Airways officials. In addition, the airline will be introducing wide-body larger capacity aircraft to ply the Doha-Berlin-Doha route.

Right now, the airline operates Airbus A319 aircraft on the sector which will likely be replaced by the A330. The airline only recently started operating to Berlin, adding to its German destinations of Frankfurt and Munich. Kieker stated the Doha-Berlin flights were now operating with a near-full passenger load factor in all classes and increasing frequency and capacity had been discussed at the airline's Doha headquarters.

Berlin currently has three airports - Schoenfeld, Tegel and Tempelhof. Qatar Airways operates in and out of Tegel, which is at an advantageous location given its very short distance from the city. Combined, the three airports handle 17.5 million passengers annually, with the figure liable to go up to 20 million in about to years' time.

A new airport is set to be up and running by 2011, by when the facility will handle 50 million passengers per year. Kieker stated the Tegel and Tempelhof airports will be closed down while the new airport will come up at the present Schoenfeld site.

dave550

May 9th, 2006, 07:20 AM

hmm looks neat to me, too bad it wont last long once the new airport is up and running
I totally agree with you. I really think they're wasting their money

Halawala

May 9th, 2006, 12:34 PM

^^ If only they would give me the terminal so I can make it my home afterwards. Wouldn't that be nice??? If only...

Pish-REZ-pash

May 9th, 2006, 01:23 PM

^^ If only they would give me the terminal so I can make it my home afterwards. Wouldn't that be nice??? If only...

whts the point of having the terminal as ur home if you can't park ur planes nearby?? :p :cheers:

Halawala

May 9th, 2006, 02:37 PM

^^^ Oh, but I can....

Park my helicopter on the roof ;) :p

dave550

May 11th, 2006, 06:41 AM

^^And do like Tome Hanks!!

Pish-REZ-pash

May 11th, 2006, 12:55 PM

^^^ Oh, but I can....

Park my helicopter on the roof ;) :p

but parking planes are MUCH cooler :bash:

Halawala

May 11th, 2006, 02:05 PM

^^ Honey, the helicopter only takes me to the new airport, where i will board my big jumbo jet. hehe

dave550

May 12th, 2006, 04:25 AM

so he's ur hon now?

Halawala

May 13th, 2006, 08:52 AM

U got a problem with that??

Pish-REZ-pash

May 14th, 2006, 12:19 AM

^^ Honey, the helicopter only takes me to the new airport, where i will board my big jumbo jet. hehe

what a waste of resource. Leavign the private backyard runway for a much busier one :bash:

Halawala

May 14th, 2006, 06:42 AM

what a waste of resource. Leavign the private backyard runway for a much busier one :bash:

Where do u think my dad and mom keep their jumbo jets then???

margog

May 14th, 2006, 11:41 AM

I just ask my dad to build for me a roket base what do u think guys what is better is it the amarecan made or the russian made
and btw my dady and momy just buy for me the kuwait airport just for playing R/C aircraft in a safe place :D

shensawy ya 5ok el floos wayed 3 banks mo mkafeen 7esaby :D

Pish-REZ-pash

May 14th, 2006, 02:05 PM

Where do u think my dad and mom keep their jumbo jets then???

right next door :cheers:

Halawala

May 14th, 2006, 02:35 PM

Ever notice that the ticket prices are so expensive if you're traveling from Doha to another destination?? Transit prices via Doha are much much much cheaper.

dave550

May 22nd, 2006, 04:03 AM

Hey is it true they are going to double airplane ticket prices by the end of the month???

Halawala

May 22nd, 2006, 10:12 AM

Maybe not double but the prices are WAY TOO MUCH. For example,my ticket to Doha costs 1700 now. It used to cost 750 just under a year ago. See the difference! Thats ore than a 100 percent increase.

dave550

May 22nd, 2006, 10:26 AM

^^Shit

May 22nd, 2006, 11:19 AM

أكد مصدر مسؤول بالخطوط الجوية القطرية لالراية أمس عدم وجود نية لرفع أسعار التذاكر نافيا الاشاعات التي اثيرت مؤخراً بشأن زيادة الاسعار بمقدار 40%. واشار الي ان كل ما تردد عبارة عن مغالطات ناتجة عن سوء فهم لعمليات تسعير تذاكر القطرية خاصة خلال مواسم السفر والضغط الشديد علي الخطوط القطرية كل عام.

واشار الي ان الشركة ستقوم بإعادة ضبط لرموز الحجز وأسعار الدرجة السياحية بدءاً من 16 يونيو القادم نافيا حدوث أية زيادة في اسعار التذاكر. وأوضح ان الدرجة السياحية بها العديد من رموز الحجز ومحطة الدوحة لم تكن خاضعة لنفس السلم السعري الماثل لاسعار محطات القطرية الأخري المنتشرة حول العالم ولذا فإن القطرية ستقوم بدءاً من منتصف الشهر القادم بإعادة ضبط الرموز الخاصة بالدرجة السياحية وفي الوقت نفسه لن يكون هناك أي تغيير بالنسبة للدرجة السياحية ودرجة رجال الأعمال.

Kuwait4Ever

May 22nd, 2006, 02:11 PM

Qatar Airways has said that it may review its $10bn deal with Airbus to buy 60 of its A350 planes after the European company stated that it was planning to make changes to the aircraft, reported Gulf News. Qatar Airways's CEO, Akbar Al Baker, said that the airline would need to rethink its decision once the new specifications of the A350 are known. The A350 is currently being outsold by Boeing's Dreamliner.

http://www.ameinfo.com/86636.html

Pish-REZ-pash

May 22nd, 2006, 02:27 PM

Maybe not double but the prices are WAY TOO MUCH. For example,my ticket to Doha costs 1700 now. It used to cost 750 just under a year ago. See the difference! Thats ore than a 100 percent increase.

maybe its bcoz they have to pay for parking fees and petrol

Phoenician Empire

May 22nd, 2006, 05:37 PM

no ads

Halawala

May 22nd, 2006, 11:07 PM

^^^ You are such a big time loser. This is not an advertising thread!!

Pish-REZ-pash

May 22nd, 2006, 11:09 PM

please also visit

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=352761&page=1&pp=20

http://forumspile.com/Misc-GetALife.gif

margog

May 23rd, 2006, 02:28 PM

please also visit

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=352761&page=1&pp=20

YOU SHOULD RESPECT THE FOURMS WITH POSTING YOUR VIEW AND OPINION NOT ADVERTISING FOR YOUR FOURM... SUCH A BULL SHITE ??!!

Phoenician Empire

May 23rd, 2006, 03:44 PM

edit.

margog

May 23rd, 2006, 04:23 PM

i want to apologize for my bad behaviour. You all are right this forum is not for ad. Sorry again.

its ok body :cheers:

dave550

May 23rd, 2006, 09:25 PM

It's alright

Krazy

May 24th, 2006, 02:50 PM

Qatar Airways named Airline of the Year in Dubai

Doha-based Qatar Airways is celebrating yet another achievement by being named Airline Of The Year at the annual Middle East and North Africa (MENA) travel awards in Dubai.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/2/25822-mena.jpg
Qatar Airways Senior Manager Marketing and Communications Salam Al Shawa, pictured left, receiving the MENA Airline of the Year Award in Dubai.

At a glittering ceremony held at the city's Al-Bustan Rotana Hotel, Qatar Airways Senior Manager Marketing and Communications Salam Al Shawa picked up the top airline award to add to the company's illustrious string of accolades.

The awards night, attended by representatives of the region's travel trade, is one of the most prestigious in the travel industry calendar.

On a night of celebration, Qatar Airways' subsidiary Qatar Duty Free also picked up a Gold Award for its outstanding achievements in running the duty free operation at Doha International Airport. Qatar Duty Free Assistant General Manager Krishna Kumari collected the award on behalf of the company.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker expressed delight on the latest awards, saying the airline was making a significant impact in the aviation industry to be recognised as the best in the region.

'It is indeed a great honour to pick up yet another award,' he said.

'This is a tribute to the determination and commitment by our staff to make Qatar Airways the best among an illustrious list of airlines in the region.

'Qatar Airways is a dynamic airline and one of the youngest in the region. To be recognised for these achievements is not only a compliment to Qatar Airways, but to my country, the State of Qatar.'

Added Al Baker: 'We at Qatar Airways are truly making waves internationally, putting both the airline and country on the global map. The latest award reflects the emphasis Qatar Airways places on service and attention to detail which, as we all know, are vitally important to woo new passengers and retain the loyalty of our existing customers.'

This summer, passengers will enjoy a brand new experience with Qatar Airways as it rolls out its new Airbus A340-600 aircraft. As launch customer of the High Gross Weight version of the A340-600, Qatar Airways will provide passengers travelling in the premium cabins with dedicated onboard First Class and Business Class lounges making the non-stop journey from Doha to Europe and the United States an experience of a lifetime.

The latest award also reflects the progressive move of Qatar Airways from a small regional airline at the time of its relaunch in 1997, to a truly global carrier now serving 70 destinations worldwide with a modern fleet of 47 all-Airbus aircraft.

dave550

May 24th, 2006, 05:31 PM

I want to fly with Qatar Air when I come back to Doha, but they don't get to the US and I don't feel like switching planes in London.
If I have to switch planes it means that I have to fly with one of the american airlines, and they suck I hate them

Halawala

May 24th, 2006, 05:46 PM

^^ Virgin Atlantic is Qatar Airways's codeshare airline when going to the States. You can get it from New York, which is not very far from Philidelphia. ;)

By the way, here's a picture of the new terminal being built at Doha.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/6153/image000872hx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

omarmakki

May 24th, 2006, 06:28 PM

Is that the new terminal in the old airport or is this the new airport??

qatarbg

May 24th, 2006, 06:38 PM

old airport.they havnt started building the new one,rite?

Halawala

May 28th, 2006, 06:54 PM

Qatar Airways to Start Direct Doha-Sao Paulo Flight

Qatar Airways is planning to set up a direct flight between Doha and Sao Paulo. Qatar Airways is owned by the government of Qatar. It will start its office in Sao Paulo in June.

"There is not yet a date defined for the beginning of the flight, but the intention is for it to go into operation within the next 18 months," said Ian Gillespie, director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways has an action plan for Latin America and the move to start their office in Sao Paulo is considered to be a part of the plan. A code share agreement would be set up with a Brazilian airline before the direct flight. Most probably, the airline would be Varig. The arrangement would be such that, the Brazilian aircraft will take the passengers till Europe. From there, Qatar Airways will transport passengers to Doha. The two flights would be operated non-stop.

As of now, there are no direct flights between Brazil and Arabian capitals. Through the establishment of this flight route, Qatar Airways is targetting not only the passengers to Doha but also, countries like China, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines and India.

Though the airline is partly owned by the government, the other half is owned by private sector. It currently flies to 70 destinations around the globe. In the first sector of 2005, Qatar Airways had started flights to New Delhi, Athens, Alexandria, Mashad, Tunis and Algiers. In the last sector of 2005, it had started flights to Nairobi, Kenya, Madrid, Spain and Berlin.

Pish-REZ-pash

May 28th, 2006, 08:32 PM

700 Destinations???

Halawala

May 28th, 2006, 09:34 PM

^^^ EEEEkS sorry for the extra 0

dave550

May 29th, 2006, 02:03 AM

Why Sao Paulo? Who the heck goes there!! We need a direct flight to the US and not Brazil. Brazil is almost the same distance and isn't as improtant as NYC

LtBk

May 29th, 2006, 02:05 AM

Why Sao Paulo? Who the heck goes there!! We need a direct flight to the US and not Brazil. Brazil is almost the same distance and isn't as improtant as NYC

Tourists and businessmen?

dave550

May 29th, 2006, 03:03 AM

^^ no usually students and businessmen

Halawala

May 29th, 2006, 01:50 PM

Dave, I agree that the US is probably a more important market due to student/tourist/business traffic, but Sao Paulo is an unexplored market: Latin America. Opening this route will be extremely successful I think since it will be the first middle eastern airline ever into Brazil or even Latin America.

Other markets which are important I think are: Mexico, Los Angeles, Toronto, Tokyo, Sydney, and Melbourne. I think if they fly to these, they will become more successful.

Qatar Air targets 12m by 2010

QATAR Airways, will serve 80 routes across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Far East, the India sub-continent, North America and Australia by December 2006 and estimated to carry 12 million passengers by 2010.

Says CEO Akbar Al Baker, “With our expanding route network and the scaling up of our operations and fleet expansion, we are now an extremely strong airline and at a critical stage of our development. I estimate that by 2010 we will be carrying 12 million passengers a year, double what we are achieving today.
“We are looking forward to opening more routes across Asia and increasing capacity to Europe, South Africa and the Far East and believe we are heading towards an exciting period of expansion once the first A340-600s are delivered later this year.”
The airline’s strategy is also to go direct where possible and split some of its existing routes. “As we take delivery of the extended range aircraft scheduled for summer 2006, our intention is to serve New York later this year. And subject to the outcome of discussions regarding regulatory requirements between the Qatari and Australian governments, Australia will open up, possibly with Melbourne later this year.”
In March 2006, Al Baker personally inaugurated the airline’s daily non-stop services to Hong Kong on its new long-haul Airbus A330s from its Doha hub. This marked the airline’s 12th destination in the Far East, after Beijing, Shanghai and Osaka. The same month, the airline unveiled its new corporate livery.
Although Hong Kong became the airline’s 70th global destination of an ever-expanding route network, Al Baker is impatient and continuously striving for new routes, new point-to-points and always innovative for the Qatar Airways value proposition.
“We are the fastest growing airline with total annual growth rate over the past five years of around 40 per cent. I see this growth rate continuing until 2010 after which there will be some flattening out to possibly an average of 20 per cent,” he says.
Qatar Airways currently operates 45 all-Airbus aircraft and the fleet will reach a staggering 110 jetliners by 2015. It is planning to acquire up to 60 of the generation Airbus A350s and is launch customer for the twin-deck A380 super jumbos.

Pish-REZ-pash

May 29th, 2006, 02:13 PM

opening a South American route is extremely risky as the tourist loads are very low compared to the cargo loads

dave550

May 29th, 2006, 09:46 PM

^^Really?

Halawala

May 30th, 2006, 12:31 AM

Of course they will need to study this route first before carrying it out. Every new route is risky and South America is just a new undiscovered route. There might be lots of demand for connecting flights via DOH. As for cargo, it is definetly successful.

Halawala

May 30th, 2006, 11:06 AM

Etihad flies to Doha

Etihad Airways starts a service between Abu Dhabi and Doha on 18 June 2006. Flights run six times a week on a Boeing 767-300 in a three-class configuration. Outward flights leave AD at 21.30pm and arrive at Doha at 21.30pm local time. Return flights depart at 22.30pm and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 12.30am.

Pish-REZ-pash

May 31st, 2006, 07:33 AM

^^Really?

yup unless you can fnd connecting Asian hubs to south america...................which I doubt is possible coz IMO ony North and South America serve for decent connections

Kuwait4Ever

May 31st, 2006, 07:07 PM

Qatar Airways is taking its first steps into the US market through transatlantic codeshare services with partner Lufthansa.

Beginning 1st June 2006, Doha-based Qatar Airways will apply its QR code on flights operated by German carrier Lufthansa between Germany and four US points - Houston, New York JFK, Newark and Washington.

Qatar Airways' new codeshare destinations strengthens a relationship with Lufthansa that has been in place for many years.

Both airlines currently codeshare on flights between Doha and Frankfurt, a route operated by the two carriers. Qatar Airways also applies its QR code on flights operated by Lufthansa between Frankfurt and Geneva, as well as Munich and Geneva. In addition, Lufthansa applies its LH code on Qatar Airways' flights between Doha and Munich.

The enhanced partnership marks a significant step for Qatar Airways, giving the airline a foothold into the world's biggest travel market. The airline intends to launch dedicated non-stop flights between Doha and the US east coast this year with its new state-of-the-art Airbus A340-600 aircraft.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the relationship with Lufthansa had worked extremely well and that the launch of additional codeshare flights were a logical step forward.

'Under the expanded codeshare arrangement with Lufthansa, the benefits are significant,' he said. 'Passengers will have a through check-in facility, their baggage will be checked-in all the way to the US, and they will be given boarding passes at the point of departure for their entire journey.

'The transatlantic codeshare with Lufthansa marks the first step of Qatar Airways' plans to operate dedicated flights to the US.

'Launching our own flights to the US has been on our books for sometime and we are pleased to announce that this will become reality during the course of the year. America is a key market and no airline that truly wants to be a global operator can afford to ignore the US.'

Qatar Airways is the launch customer of the High Gross Weight version of the Airbus A340-600 which is scheduled to join the airline's fleet in July. Passengers travelling in the premium cabins of the aircraft will be able to enjoy the comforts of a dedicated onboard First Class and Business Class lounge making the non-stop journey from Doha to the United States an experience of a lifetime.

The airline operates a modern fleet of 47 all-Airbus aircraft to 70 destinations from its hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar. Its fleet will almost triple in size over the next 10 years to 110 aircraft. Qatar Airways plans to acquire up to 80 aircraft in orders worth US$16billion over the next 10 years.

http://www.ameinfo.com/87619.html

Kuwait4Ever

June 1st, 2006, 10:12 AM

Qatar Airways has expanded its code-share agreement with Lufthansa. From 1 June 2006 Qatar Airways will have its code on Lufthansa flights between Germany and four US points - Houston, New York JFK, Newark and Washington. QA will also start its own flights between Doha and the US East Coast during 2006 on its new Airbus A340-600.

http://www.ameinfo.com/87626.html

Halawala

June 2nd, 2006, 02:33 PM

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/5443/a340600qatarairwaysfwwcpcn740t.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The new QR livery!

qatarbg

June 3rd, 2006, 12:57 PM

^^^ hey,it looks better than the older one.

Halawala

June 17th, 2006, 12:18 PM

Qatar Airways was recently named as the 6th best airline in the world (jumped up from 8 the year before, the Best Airline in the Middle East, and its cabin crew is first in the world according to Skytrax

Go to www.airlinequality.com for more! :)

Halawala

July 8th, 2006, 12:19 PM

First A332 in new c/s:

http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1069911&size=L&width=1024&height=774&sok=JURER%20%20%28nveyvar%20YVXR%20%27Dngne%20Nvejnlf%25%27%29%20%20BEQRE%20OL%20cubgb_vq%20QRFP&photo_nr=7

wakrah-wi-bas

July 27th, 2006, 10:57 PM

Qatar airways to receive it's first airbus A340-600, out of 6, soon, to operate on New York & Melbourne's route.
pix from 1st class.

http://www.swahl.com/up/m3/cca7decad7.jpg (http://www.swahl.com/up)
http://www.swahl.com/up/m3/f71c837e1a.jpg (http://www.swahl.com/up)
http://www.swahl.com/up/m3/093a87bb6e.jpg (http://www.swahl.com/up)
http://www.swahl.com/up/m3/e0d5530589.jpg (http://www.swahl.com/up)

omarmakki

August 8th, 2006, 02:11 AM

Doha, QATAR – Award-winning Qatar Airways has become the first international airline in the world to introduce live digital satellite TV beamed direct to every passenger on their individual seatback TV systems at 35,000 feet.

Yet another first for one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Qatar Airways has introduced the system offering a multitude of European and Middle East TV channels on five of its fleet of Airbus A330 long-haul aircraft.

By the end of the year, 14 aircraft, including the airline’s brand new Airbus A340-600 which enters service this month, will be equipped with the new Rockwell Collins Tailwind 560 satellite television system. Distributed through Showtime Arabia, via the Rockwell Collins system, a further 10 aircraft will be equipped with the service during 2007.

Live television is initially being made available on flights within and between the Middle East and Europe.

The enhancements to Qatar Airways’ award-winning inflight entertainment system enable passengers to watch live news, information, sport and other television programmes from selected networks beamed live direct to their individual seatback TV screens.

Fully independent personalised television viewing allows each passenger to select from a suite of premium European and Arabic-language TV channels. The system’s multi-directional antenna allows passengers to enjoy uninterrupted entertainment as their flights pass from Middle Eastern into European airspace.

In the Middle East, passengers have access to Al Jazeera, BBC World, EuroNews, CNN International, TV5, EuroSport News, MBC and Disney Channel. Within the European region, channels available are Al Jazeera, BBC World, EuroNews, CNN International, TV5, EuroSport 2, Future TV and Bloomberg.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said onboard live satellite television was yet another product initiative that differentiated Qatar Airways from its competitors even further.

“We have been successfully trialling live TV for sometime and are extremely pleased to be able to now offer this wonderful, unique service to passengers on selected aircraft,” he said, adding that the service is gradually being rolled out across the airline’s long-haul fleet.

“As a key player in the Middle East and international aviation market, Qatar Airways always commits itself to the highest standards of inflight entertainment and onboard amenities,“ he added.

“In this day and age of long-haul international travel, passengers are becoming more demanding and are flying in an environment where there is more choice. We continue to look at ways to improve our service levels to passengers and, by offering a variety of entertainment options, we also set new standards of comfort to ensure we are the airline of choice.”

Qatar Airways’ entertainment system onboard its widebody A330 fleet is fully interactive offering Audio Video On Demand which gives passengers greater viewing and listening options.

The stop, pause, rewind and forward functions provide greater flexibility allowing passengers to view movies and TV programmes from around the world at the time of their choice on their personal entertainment system.

Qatar Airways offers personal TV screens across all three cabins – Economy, Business and First Class.

Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, currently operating an all-Airbus fleet of 48 aircraft, flying to 70 online destinations worldwide from its operational hub of Doha, capital of the State of Qatar. Together with its codeshare partners, Qatar Airways serves 90 destinations worldwide.

Nothing important. But I thought I'd post it since it is the first airline to do so...