Qatar Airways Named Airline Of The Year At Skytrax World Airline Awards 2011

Qatar Airways has been named “Airline of the Year” at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards 2011 for its outstanding inflight product and operational excellence.

Through the prestigious award, Qatar Airways’ global ranking among more than 200 international airlines rose to the world’s top position – up from third spot last year – further cementing its stature as a world leading airline.

Qatar Airways beat stiff competition from four Asian carriers in the category to clinch the honour in front of global aviation industry executives.

The awards are selected by the airline’s most important audience – its customers. More than 18 million passengers worldwide were polled during the annual Skytrax awards.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker collected the award, together with two other accolades, at a ceremony today during Paris Air Show, being held at Le Bourget near the French capital.

Qatar Airways, which remains one of a select-few carriers with a Skytrax Five Star ranking for service excellence, also claimed the “Best Middle East Airline” for the sixth consecutive year, emphasising the airline’s competitiveness and dominance in a region boasting several world-class airlines.

The airline also received the accolade “Best First Class Lounge” for its Premium Terminal at the carrier’s Doha hub – a facility for exclusive use by Qatar Airways’ First and Business Class passengers. The award further cements the Premium Terminal’s stature as a world class luxury facility for passengers to unwind and relax before their flight.

The award also ranks the Five Star carrier’s Premium Terminal as the best in the world’s top three terminals by the respected leading aviation industry audit, Skytrax.

Over 18 million air travellers from more than 100 different nationalities took part in the 10-month long survey. The awards are recognised around the world for being the only global independent passenger survey monitoring airline standards and as the ultimate benchmark for excellence in the airline industry.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 98 aircraft to over 100 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and North and South America.