DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has announced its sponsorship of the third edition of CHI AL SHAQAB, a unique six-day international equestrian competition which will take place from March 2 to 7, 2015, at AL SHAQAB, Member of Qatar Foundation in Doha. Following the success of CHI AL SHAQAB over the past two years, approximately 200 of the world’s best national and international riders, as well as 200 horses from more than 33 countries are expected to compete for a total prize purse of more than one million Euros.
The elite riders from all around the world will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in five disciplines: Dressage, Vaulting, Show Jumping, Endurance and, for the first time in Middle East and Asia, Para Dressage.
As the official airline partner for CHI AL SHAQAB 2015, Qatar Airways Cargo will provide transportation for the horses participating in the competition. The horses, among them revered Olympic winners, will arrive in Doha via three dedicated Qatar Airways Cargo freighter flights that will ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for these world-famous horses.
Mr. Ulrich Ogiermann, Qatar Airways Chief Officer Cargo, said: “Qatar Airways Cargo is delighted to once again offer its support to this world-class equestrian event. We take great pride in providing five-star services on the ground and in the air for these amazing animals, and we are committed to ensuring that they are handled with the utmost care by our team, just as we do with everything that we transport.”
Qatar Airways Cargo transports numerous types of animals in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations. Unlike other small pets such as cats and dogs, horses cannot be transported in the lower deck of regular passenger planes and must be flown on dedicated freighters. The horses are loaded into “air stables” or “horse stalls” which are special containers that can fit up to three horses side by side, providing safe and secure transport while on the aircraft.
CHI AL SHAQAB was launched in 2013 under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani and Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The event, which is supported by Qatar Foundation, is the first of its kind in the Middle East and Asia.
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About Qatar Airways
In October 2014, Qatar Airways celebrated its one year anniversary of joining the oneworld global alliance. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join this global airline alliance, enabling its passengers to benefit from almost 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures. The award-winning oneworld alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance 2014 by Skytrax for the second year running. At the 2014 Farnborough Air Show, the airline placed an order for 100 Boeing 777X aircraft, taking Qatar Airways’ orders to more than 340 aircraft with a value of US $70 billion.
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About Qatar Airways Cargo
Qatar Airways Cargo serves more than 40 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to 146 key business and leisure destinations globally on 149 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet now includes six Airbus 330 and seven Boeing 777 freighters. At the Dubai Airshow 2013, Qatar Airways placed a firm order for five new Airbus A330-200 Freighter aircraft. Also included in the order were eight additional A330-200F options, for a total of 13 aircraft. At the recent Farnborough Show, Qatar Airways announced its intent to order four B777 Freighters with options for four more.
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For further information contact:
Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 40222072, Fax: +974 40225350
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa
Website: www.qatarairways.com