Qatar Airways overcame the unjust blockade by accomplishing new feats and setting new records. The national carrier of Qatar continued with its strategy of network expansion, receiving new aircraft deliveries and winning awards in the last three years since unjust blockade was imposed on Qatar.
In the beginning of this year in January, Qatar Airways announced its plans to add eight additional destinations to its network in 2020.
In 2019, the airline continued its strategy of investing in the world’s most technologically advanced aircraft to drive its ambitious route network growth. Through the course of the year, 32 aircraft were delivered to its Doha headquarters, including its 250th, an Airbus A350-900 in March. By the close of the year, the total combined fleet size of passenger, cargo and Qatar Executive (QE) was 259.
In January, the airline announced that it had converted 10 of its Airbus A321neo order to the A321LR, a longer range variant which will allow it to connect with new growing markets from Doha.
Continuing its record of being one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, Qatar Airways launched a range of new destinations in 2019, namely: Davao, Philippines; Gaborone, Botswana; Izmir, Turkey; Langkawi, Malaysia; Lisbon, Portugal; Mogadishu, Somalia; Rabat, Morocco; and Valletta, Malta, increasing the carrier’s network to over 160 destinations.
In addition, the airline signed a number of new or extended codeshare agreements with world-class airline partners, including IndiGo Airlines, LATAM, China Southern, and SriLankan Airlines.
Qatar’s national carrier continued its enviable record of winning awards with a host of accolades during the year. Along with the ‘World’s Best Airline’ prize – for a record fifth time - it also won ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘Best Business Class Seat’, and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ at the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.
The annual Trip Advisor awards gave more cause for celebration with the airline picking up five more prizes, namely the ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by Trip Advisor, ‘Middle East Best Airline’, ‘Middle East Best Major’, ‘Middle East Best Business Class’ and ‘Middle East Best Economy Class’.
The portfolio and investment strategy of the Qatar Airways Group continued to progress and diversify in 2019. In January, the on-market purchase of certain A shares and H shares of China Southern Airlines Company Limited (“China Southern Airlines”) resulted in an aggregate holding of approximately 5 per cent of the total issued share capital.
A busy summer saw the airline commit to significant new orders for Boeing aircraft, Gulfstream Executive Jets and GE Engines. December heralded the announcement of an agreement with Republic of Rwanda to develop, invest and operate in a new international airport at a ceremony in Kigali.. The airline will own 60 per cent of the new airport with the remainder being held by the Government of the Republic of Rwanda.
Qatar Airways Cargo concluded a very successful 2019, taking delivery of six new Boeing 777 freighters and launching new freighter destinations Almaty, Guadalajara, and Singapore along with capacity increases to several destinations. The airline also added Hanoi and Singapore on its popular and high-demand transpacific route connecting Asia directly to the Americas.
Cargo capacity was also introduced to nine new belly-hold destinations, demonstrating the carrier’s commitment to its customers and the growing global trade. For the financial year 2018-19, Cargo revenue witnessed growth of 16.8 percent with cargo capacity (Available Tonne Kilometres) growing 11.8 percent annually. Qatar Airways Cargo also placed an order for five more Boeing 777 freighters at the Paris Air Show in June 2019.
The cargo carrier bagged the prestigious ‘Global Air Cargo Airline of the Year’ (STAT Trade Times) in 2019 and was also runner-up for the ‘Global Air Cargo Brand of the Year’ and ‘International Cargo Airline of the Year in Africa’ awards. These awards recognise the carrier’s continued drive and emphasis on innovation, customer centricity, and service excellence.
Qatar Airways added 25 aircraft to its fleet in 2018 and the airline added 25 new destinations to its network during the year, showing that the unjust blockade has failed in denting its expansion plans. The airline also named World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax and won several other accolades.
Despite a challenging regional environment, the airline continued to deliver beyond expectations throughout 2017, accelerating new routes, doubling frequencies and capacity to numerous destinations and launching its award-winning new Business Class seat, Qsuite. At a time when many airlines are scaling back, Qatar Airways continued to thrive, showcasing to the world its award-winning, best-in-class cabins, catering, in-flight entertainment, on-board magazine, lounges and more.
Qatar Airways launched 11 new destinations in 2017, including Auckland, New Zealand – the world’s longest commercial flight - Nice; France; Dublin, Republic of Ireland; Skopje; Sohar, Oman; Kyiv, Ukraine; Prague, Czech Republic, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Adana, Turkey; Chiang Mai, Thailand and St. Petersburg, Russia.
Qatar Airways took delivery of 19 new aircraft in 2017, taking its total fleet to 212 aircraft. Qatar Airways had launched its new Business Class seat, Qsuite, at ITB Berlin in March 2017 to outstanding global acclaim, bringing a First Class experience to the Business Class cabin.
Qatar Airways also worked hand-in-hand with the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) to promote the nation. Events like Qatar Live where global superstars such as Maroon 5, Katy Perry and Maluma performed to thousands of fans, the Qatar International Food Festival and the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition are a vital part of the airline’s work and a prelude to the next year where passengers will be given even more reasons to visit the country.
