Q Life Magazine Q Magazine December 2017 | Page 34

| Issue 3 Qatar Airways Flying High The story of Qatar Airways’ rise to success is nothing short of inspirational. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing carriers in the history of aviation, with an unprecedented rate of global expansion. Launched only twenty years ago as a regional carrier with just four aircraft, the airline has grown to become a highly respected and award-winning global airline. Now with a fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to more than 150 destinations on six continents, Qatar Airways has not just grown in size. It has also stayed true to its goal of reaching the highest standards of excellence. This excellence has been recognised: Skytrax has named Qatar Airways as the “World’s Best Airline” four times since 2011. Its most recent win was in 2017, when it again triumphed in spite of the blockade against Qatar leading several countries to ban the airline from using their airspace. Coming home Home to Qatar Airways’ fleet is the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport (HIA), which welcomes visitors and transit passengers from across the globe. 34 | Qatar Airways aircraft The ultra-modern transportation hub features the most technologically advanced control systems and an architecturally stunning passenger terminal that will eventually accommodate 50 million travellers per year. A global gateway to Qatar Qatar has emerged prominently on the global stage in recent years, as Doha has established itself as a world- class destination for business and leisure travellers, as well as a leading centre for sports, education and the arts. As Qatar’s national carrier, Qatar Airways plays a vital role in the country’s development by bringing visitors to the country and taking Qatar’s citizens to the world. Delivering world-famous artists, athletes and academics to the country is just one of the contributions Qatar Airways makes to Qatar’s growing economy and status.