DOHA: Qatar Airways will move operations to London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 4 (T4) from tomorrow.
The Doha-based carrier's switch from Terminal 3 follows the completion of a multi-million pound upgrade that sees T4 now offering passengers improved amenities, enhanced baggage facilities as well as a wider selection of restaurants and retail stores.
All Qatar Airways departures and arrivals at Heathrow will be through T4 and the airline's passengers will benefit from a dedicated spacious check-in area in the terminal's Zone A. Qatar Airways First and Business Class passengers and Gold and Silver Privilege Club card holders will be able to access the terminal's Skyteam lounge.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said that the airline's new services at T4 will be further enhanced as the airline plans to install a dedicated lounge for its Premium customers. The new lounge will be the first of its kind for Qatar Airways outside its operational hub in Doha and is to open in the second half of 2011.
"Qatar Airways' move to Terminal 4 at Heathrow allows the airline to further enhance our 5-Star services for our passengers. As one of our busiest routes, London, plays an important part in our overall route network and we are delighted to enhance our operation here," said Al Baker.
"The move will culminate with the building of our first dedicated lounge for our First and Business Class passengers outside of our Doha hub. Qatar Airways will bring the best of its award-winning Premium Terminal concept in Doha to London's Heathrow," he added.
Qatar Airways recently introduced its flagship Boeing 777 aircraft for the first time on one of its European routes, operating daily between London's Heathrow and Doha. Qatar Airways operates six flights a day between the UK and Doha -- four-a-day from London's Heathrow; and daily from both London's Gatwick and Manchester.
In November 2006, the Doha-based airline was the first in the world to introduce a dedicated terminal for its first and Business Class passengers.
The Premium Terminal subsequently went on to collect industry accolades globally for its unique concept and its unrivalled levels of luxury. The same award-winning approach achieved with the Premium Terminal will be employed in the airline's London Heathrow lounge.
© The Peninsula 2010
