By Steven Knight, ASCAP
History of Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, headquartered in Doha, Qatar, provides passenger service to more than 80 destinations in the
Middle East,
Africa,
Europe,
Asia and North America. The airline is 50 percent owned by the Qatari government. Qatar Airways is one of only six airlines in the world to earn a 5-star rating from Skytrax in its annual survey.
Beginnings
Qatar Airways was launched on January 20, 1994, and is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, utilizing its fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
Five Stars
Qatar Airlines was honored in 2004 with a five-star ranking by Skytrax in its annual survey. The airline consistently ranks as the best airline in the Middle East. "It is a great honor, on behalf of Qatar Airways, to be recognized yet again for our high levels of service and hospitality which we remain committed to," said Akbar Al Baker, the airline's CEO since 1996.
Expansion to America
Photo: idf-fotos http://www.flickr.com/photos/idf-fotos/2166203938/
Qatar launched service to North America in 2007, flying to Newark, New Jersey, and non-stop to Washington, D.C., from Doha. In 2008, the airline switched its flights from Newark to New York's JFK Airport.
From Qatar to Texas
Using Boeing 777-200 long-range aircraft, Qatar introduced nonstop service from Doha to Houston, Texas, in March 2009. At 17 hours, it is one of the longest nonstop flights in the world. For first-class passengers arriving in Doha, the airline offers chauffeur service using BMW 7-series automobiles on select flights.
The Future
Qatar Airways moves into a new headquarters and training building at the New Doha International Airport, scheduled to open in 2012. The airport is designed to handle the new Airbus A380 aircraft with its longer runways. The airline expects the new airport to handle 50 million passengers per year by 2015.
About the Author:
Steve Knight is currently reporter/editor-in-chief of The Collegian and a journalism student at Tarrant County College, Fort Worth, Texas. Knight previously taught instrumental music in the Texas public schools for several years and is active as a composer and arranger.
Photo Credits:
Photo: idf-fotos http://www.flickr.com/photos/idf-fotos/2166208348/
