Overview
Established in 1993, Qatar Airways has its headquarters based in Doha, Qatar and has a main hub situated in Doha International Airport. Its frequent flyer program is the Qatar Airways Privilege Club – Qmiles and its member lounges are the Qatar Airways First and Business Lounges. With a fleet size of approximately 66, the airline makes use of its fleet to travel to 88 destinations all over the world, including cargo destinations. The airline operates with its famous company slogan. “World’s 5-star airline”.
Company Profile
Qatar Airways is actually considered the flag carrier airline of the whole of Qatar. Mainly based in Doha, the airline’s main hub and spoke network is responsible for the linkage of airline flights to more than 80 destinations worldwide. The airline is actually one of just 6 airlines that have been awarded the prestigious 5-star rating given by Skytrax. The other six airlines include Cathay Pacific, Kingfisher Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Asiana Airlines.
Qatar Airways Destinations
As of March this year, the airline currently serves 84 destinations, with Qatar Airways Cargo serving 21 destinations. Of the 21 destinations, 17 of these are served by Qatar Airways as well. For all these destinations, the airline travels to approximately 52 countries across the continents of Europe, Africa, North America, and Asia.
At present, the airline has also announced of its plans to include Melbourne, Sydney, Amritsar, Goa, and two more unnamed European cities. These unnamed cities, though unannounced yet, are presumed to be Birmingham in the UK and Sofia in Bulgaria. Talks of these flights include the possibility that these would start late this year or early in 2010. Currently, the airline is in the process of hiring cabin staff and crew.
Qatar Airways Cargo
This is the airline’s very own freight branch and has currently made orders of 7 Boeing 777-F units. The first unit is scheduled for delivery this year, in time for the scheduled opening ceremonies of the New Doha International Airport. The other units will be scheduled for release at a latter time. Meanwhile, this first unit will be mainly used for the Far East and European routes of the airline, with supplemental support by Airbus A300-600F.
Qatar Airways Fleet
The airline’s fleet was once comprised of just Airbus aircraft models. At present, the fleet has welcomed the new addition of Boeing aircraft models. As of April 2009, the fleet is now composed of the following aircraft units:
- Airbus: A319-100LR, A319-100CJ, A320-200, A321-200, A330-200, A330-300, A340-600, A350-800, A350-900, A350-1000, and A380-800
- Boeing: 777-200LR, 777-300ER, and 787-8
