DOHA - Qatar Airways has once again been honoured in the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards with three accolades in this year's survey, including being named as having the 'Best First Class' in the world.
The airline secured the 'Best Airline in the Middle East' award for the second year running, while cabin crew once again won top honours as 'Best in the Middle East' for the fifth year running, said a release.
Qatar Airways also saw its global ranking rise to be named among the top five airlines in the world in the annual survey of almost 15m international travellers spread across 90 nationalities. The airline's global ranking rose to 4th position. The elite top five group features airlines from the service-oriented Far East.
Earlier this year, Qatar Airways held onto Skytrax's 'Five Star' award for excellence and service quality.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al Baker said he was honoured to see such prestigious awards bestowed on the airline.
"We have come a long way since we launched our airline just 10 years ago and these awards clearly demonstrate that Qatar Airways is firmly in the top league of international airlines.
"I would like to thank the staff at Qatar Airways around the world for their tremendous dedication and commitment to the job they do so well. Our cabin crew have once again proved that they have what it takes to deliver the best levels of service in the skies.
"Passengers have voted with their feet and I would like to thank them for taking the time to take part in the survey. Qatar Airways strives to be the best and it is only a matter of time before we walk away with the top award - 'Best Airline in the World'."
Qatar Airways' First Class product includes a 180 degree flat bed onboard its long-range Airbus A330s and A340s, while the latter aircraft also features a unique First Class lounge for passengers to relax and unwind at 35,000 feet.
In November 2006, Qatar Airways opened the world's first passenger building dedicated to its First and Business Class passengers at Doha International Airport.
The $90m Premium Terminal features exclusive check-in, duty-free shopping, fine dining, spa treatments, games room, business centre and medical room.
The award for cabin crew was based on a number of criteria, including professionalism of staff in handling passengers, efficiency, problem-solving, enthusiasm, friendliness and appearance.
Skytrax Chief Executive Edward Plaisted said the 2007 survey was the longest and biggest ever featuring the most number of respondents in interviews conducted between August 2006 and June this year.
The awards are recognised around the world and are renowned for being the only truly global, independent passenger survey.
"All-round excellence is the most accurate description of a good First Class service, and with customers paying very high fares for this privilege, airlines know that to retain loyalty they have to exceed every level of expectation of creating the feel-good factor and making the customer feel special," said Plaisted.
"This year we have seen a jump into the top spot by Qatar Airways and this is clear recognition of their new Premium Terminal facilities at the home base airport in Doha, geared totally towards premium customers."
© The Peninsula 2007
