Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways is proud to be the Official Partner of the Tour of Qatar cycling event, where riders from across the world have come to the capital Doha to participate in the event, now in its 10th year.
The Tour of Qatar has seen the best cyclists in the world, such as Cavendish, Cipollini and McEwen, compete for victory in the Gulf State.
Competing in Doha previously and riding at this year’s event is the record-holding three-time champion, Tom Boonen. The Belgian rider’s record also includes 17 stage wins overall.
“Qatar Airways is delighted to host the world’s top cyclists in Qatar this week and is proud to be associated with this prestigious tour,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.
“This year’s event includes a diverse and impressive stage line-up that I’m sure spectators and the cyclists alike will enjoy. Many people have heard about the Tour de France, but may not know that Qatar has a cycling event of its own. In addition, our national airline of Qatar connects our hub in Doha to the rest of the world.
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 94 aircraft to 98 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and North & South America. The latest destination was launched on January 31 to the Belgian capital, Brussels.
By 2013, Qatar Airways plans to serve over 120 key business and leisure destinations worldwide with a modern fleet of more than 120 aircraft.
Qatar Airways has been voted third best airline in the world following the annual 2010 Skytrax survey of 18 million international passengers. In the survey, the airline was also voted as having the Best Business Class Service and Catering in the World, as well as being honoured as the Best Airline in The Middle East for the fifth consecutive year.
Qatar Airways also became the first airline to receive the Staff Service Excellence Award for the Middle East. The new award replaces the Best Cabin Staff in the Middle East category, which Qatar Airways has won for the past seven years. The expanded category now includes airline staff at all passenger touch points, including onboard, reservations, check-in and airport personnel.
Qatar Airways has orders for 80 Airbus A350s, 60 Boeing 787s and 32 Boeing 777s, with deliveries of the latter having started in November 2007. The airline is one of the customers of the twin-deck Airbus A380 ‘super jumbos’ with five on order and scheduled for delivery from 2012, by which time the New Doha International Airport would have opened. For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com
Qatar Airways Corporate Communications
Tel: +974 44496956, Fax: +974 44620132
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa