Qatar Airways has established itself as one of the top-tier airlines in the world. Since its inception, the airline has experienced significant growth, evolving into a major player in the aviation industry with its award-winning service and extensive network.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this ever-growing airline. In no particular order, here are 15 facts about Qatar Airways, covering topics such as its history and current operations.
1. When was Qatar Airways founded?
Qatar Airways was created by the government of Qatar in November 1993.
Previously, the government of Qatar was a joint owner of Gulf Air, alongside Oman, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. However, as Qatar shifted its focus toward expanding its own airline, it became the first country to withdraw from Gulf Air in 2002.
2. The airline began operations in 1994
Qatar Airways commenced operations in January 1994, with some of its early routes including destinations such as Amman, Dubai, Bangkok, and Tokyo.
3. National flag carrier
Being the only commercial airline to operate out of the State of Qatar, Qatar Airways has the privilege of being the national flag carrier of the Gulf nation.
4. It operates out of Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport, which is located in Doha, serves as the main hub for Qatar Airways.
It has been the home of the airline since 2014. Notably, Hamad International Airport is ranked as one of the best airports in the world.
5. The airline is a member of a major airline alliance
Qatar Airways has been a member of the oneworld alliance since 2013.
The airline is a part of the alliance with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, and SriLankan Airlines.
6. How many aircraft does Qatar Airways have in its fleet?
According to Qatar Airways’ official website, the airline currently has 230 aircraft in its fleet.
The airline’s fleet comprises various aircraft models, including the Boeing 737-8 MAX, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A320-200, Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300, Airbus A350-900, Airbus A350-1000, and Airbus A380.
7. The Qatar-based airline serves over 170 destinations around the world
Qatar Airways has an extensive route network, with flights to destinations in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania.
Some of the airline’s most frequently served routes are Doha-London, Doha-Bangkok, and Doha-Paris.
8. Qatar Airways has been named the World’s Best Airline multiple times
As of this writing, Qatar Airways has been awarded Skytrax’s “World’s Best Airline” award eight times.
The airline received the honor in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024.
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9. The airline has a frequent flyer program
Privilege Club is the name of Qatar Airways’ frequent flyer program.
Members earn Qmiles through Privilege Club for every flight flown with Qatar Airways and its partner airlines. The scheme also has several tier levels: Burgundy, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The tier levels feature a variety of different benefits.
10. Qatar Airways was the first airline to operate the Airbus A350-1000
Back in February 2018, Qatar Airways took delivery of the world’s first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The jet was described by the airline as the “world’s most technologically advanced passenger aircraft.”
11. Akbar Al Baker was the CEO of Qatar Airways for 26 years
Between 1997 and 2023, Qatari businessman Akbar Al Baker was the CEO of Qatar Airways.
The current CEO of the airline is Badr Mohammed Al Meer.
12. The airline is known for its Qsuite
The Qsuite is described by Qatar Airways as “the most memorable flying experience in the world.” The Qsuites, which were first introduced in 2017, feature a fully lie-flat bed, spacious storage, and a door.
The suites are part of the business class product on the airline’s Airbus A350-1000s, some A350-900s, and most Boeing 777s. You can check out a video of Qatar Airways’ Qsuite below.
13. Sports-related partnerships
Qatar Airways has established partnerships with several prominent sports teams globally, including the Brooklyn Nets, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Additionally, the airline is involved with major sporting events such as Formula 1, MotoGP, the GKA Kite World Tour, and IRONMAN.
14. Qatar Airways operates one of the longest commercial flights in the world
As of this writing, Qatar Airways currently operates the third-longest flight in the world.
The service, QR921, from Auckland to Doha, takes 17 hours and 55 minutes. The aircraft operating this route is the Airbus A350-1000.
15. The airline has many codeshare agreements
Aside from its partners in the oneworld alliance, Qatar Airways has several codeshare agreements with multiple airlines, including RwandAir, LATAM, IndiGo, Azerbaijan Airlines, and Oman Air. A codeshare is an agreement in which an airline sells and markets another airline’s tickets as its own.
This article was updated on October 9, 2024.
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