Qatar Airways Ends 2011 with Top Accolades at Business Traveler USA Awards

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Qatar Airways has received top accolades at the prestigious Business Traveler magazine awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110513/PH01836)

Readers voted the Five-Star airline Best Airline for International Travel for the third consecutive year at Business Traveler Magazine's 23rd annual Best in Business Awards.

Qatar Airways was also awarded Best Business Class airline to the Middle East.

The awards recognized 35 different travel service providers in 54 categories.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the airline's winning streak can be attributed to its high standards of quality and customer service.

"Everything we do and provide, from personalized treatment and customer service, to in-flight duty free and onboard cuisine, is Five-Star and based on superior attention to detail and customer satisfaction," said Al Baker.

"I am very proud that our Business Class product has again been recognized, as well as our long-haul international services by US-based travelers, and our willingness to target diverse and underserved markets where others dare not venture into.

"During 2011, Qatar Airways was honored with several other awards from around the world, including the ultimate last June when we were named Airline of the Year 2011 by the prestigious Skytrax organization at their annual awards.

"These accolades demonstrate the years of hard work that have gone into making us what we are today – the best in the skies."

The awards follow two other accolades from Business Traveller sister publications around the world; Best Business Class Airline by Business Traveller Middle East and Best Airline in the Middle East and Africa by Business Traveller Asia Pacific.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 103 aircraft to 110 diverse business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. The airline plans to serve 120 destinations worldwide with a fleet of 120 aircraft by 2013.

Notes to Editors:

Qatar Airways has orders worth over US$ 50 billion for more than 250 aircraft, including Boeing 787s, 777s, Airbus A350s, A380s and A320 Family of aircraft. The rapid expansion of Qatar Airways prompted the State of Qatar to embark on one of its biggest projects – the construction of a brand new international airport in Doha, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2012.

Skytrax is the only global independent passenger survey monitoring airline standards and is considered the ultimate benchmark for excellence in the airline industry. In addition to winning Skytrax's prestigious Airline of the Year 2011 award during the summer, Qatar Airways was named Best Airline in the Middle East for the sixth year in a row, and its Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport was named Best First Class Airline Lounge. For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com

SOURCE Qatar Airways