Doha - After having been awarded the prestigious five-star ranking by Skytrax earlier this year, Qatar Airways’ cabin crew has now been recognised as the best in the Middle East.

Independent aviation quality monitor Skytrax has recently announced the results of their annual survey of some 130 worldwide airlines’ cabin staff, ranking Qatar Airways first in the Middle East region and fifth in the world.

Qatar Airways’ Chief Executive Officer Mr. Akbar Al Baker expressed his delight on receiving the new accolade: “Following the honour of having been one of only three global airlines to have been awarded the five-star ranking earlier this year, I am extremely pleased that our cabin crew has taken the top spot for the Middle East region in this extensive survey.

“The 2003-2004 Cabin Staff survey by Skytrax attracted more than two million eligible votes, from passengers comprising 93 different nationalities, and assessed the cabin crew on criteria such as service efficiency, attentiveness, friendliness, presentation and consistency, amongst other criteria, and recommended the Qatar Airways’ cabin staff on all levels.

“Overall on the world ranking, our cabin staff has remained firmly in fifth place, an excellent achievement when you consider the number of airlines involved in the survey. In the Middle East however, we are now the overall leader, proving that our total dedication to providing our guests on board with unsurpassed superior service is being noted and welcomed by passengers from many nations.

“Qatar Airways was the only airline in the Top 10 rating to have a multi-national cabin crew. Many say that that could be seen as a disadvantage, but we have shown that our cabin crew, who comprise more than 50 nationalities, are trained perfectly to anticipate, recognise and carry out our passengers’ every need. Being multi-national, the cabin crews’ empathy and understanding of our equally multi-national guests on board is part of our unique service.

“The results of this year’s independent survey certainly prove that we are on the way to becoming the best airline in the world. Our renowned hospitality and service has propelled us to rank high amongst the world’s best airlines in the world, an accolade widely recognised and appreciated by all our passengers.

“With our constant vigilance and innovative approach to anything that would improve on our existing service and the comfort and enjoyment of our passengers, we are sure to maintain our high standards and rankings in the coming year,” Mr. Al Baker said.