Berlin, GERMANY – Qatar Airways’ brand new look took the spotlight on the opening day of ITB Berlin – the world’s largest travel fair – as the airline unveiled its revamped livery and aircraft interiors in front of the world’s press.
Media interest was exceptional as Qatar Airways showed off its new aircraft livery that takes it into the next generation of air travel.
The airline also introduced to the world its brand new First Class lounge onboard its long-haul Airbus A340-600 aircraft, which Qatar Airways takes delivery of, beginning this summer.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who is in Berlin for the five-day trade show, said he was delighted at the immense level of interest in Qatar Airways as the airline also unveiled its biggest-ever and new-look exhibition stand.
“ITB Berlin is a landmark show, the biggest travel event in the world and Qatar Airways was once again privileged to showcase the best of the best,” he said.
Qatar Airways is the launch customer of the High Gross Weight (HGW) version of the A340-600 aircraft which is capable of flying up to 14 hours non-stop with a full load of passengers and cargo. Qatar Airways plans to serve the United States non-stop from Doha with the A340-600 (HGW).
Al Baker spent time with the world’s media explaining Qatar Airways’ new livery. Gone is the word ‘Airways’ and instead ‘QATAR’ is emblazoned across the fuselage of the aircraft. The tail fin is painted burgundy with an image of the Oryx, national animal and icon of the State of Qatar. The change reflects the importance of Qatar as a country to rest of the world.
During ITB, Al Baker guided the international media around Qatar Airways’ new 200sqm exhibition stand, a two-tier structure inspired by the design of the New Doha International Airport which is under construction.
Qatar Airways currently flies to 69 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and the Far East from its operational hub of Doha, capital of the State of Qatar. With its codeshare partners, the airline serves more than 80 destinations worldwide.
Qatar Airways is to launch daily non-stop scheduled flights between Doha and Hong Kong on March 26.
Doha-based Qatar Airways will operate a fleet of 110 aircraft by 2013 – almost double the existing size. Qatar Airways has ordered 80 Airbus A350s, 60 Boeing 787s and 32 Boeing 777s, with deliveries of the latter having started in November 2007. The airline is a launch customer of the twin-deck Airbus A380 ‘super jumbos’ with five aircraft on order and scheduled for delivery from 2010. Qatar Airways moves to the New Doha International Airport in 2010, when the first phase of the new facility opens. For more information, visit www.ndiaproject.com
Qatar Airways is one of only six airlines in the world with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways’ cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the fifth year running in 2007 following a survey of more than 15 million passengers worldwide. For more information, log onto www.qatarairways.com
Qatar Airways Corporate Communications
Tel: +974 4496956, Fax: +974 4620132
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa