Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar, is one of the aviation industry’s success stories.

The award-winning airline is also one of the fastest growing carriers in the world with unprecedented expansion averaging almost 40 per cent year on year that industry peers can only admire with envy.
Since its relaunch in 1997, Qatar Airways has achieved staggering growth in fleet size and passenger numbers.

From only four aircraft in 1997, the airline grew to a fleet size of 28 aircraft by the end of 2003 and a milestone 50 by October 2006. Today, the airline operates 65 Boeing and Airbus aircraft. By 2013, the fleet size will almost double to 110 aircraft.

Qatar Airways currently has more than 200 aircraft on order worth over US$40 billion for delivery over the next few years. At the Farnborough Air Show in July, Qatar Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for the purchase up to six Airbus A321 aircraft – four firm and two on option.

In summer 2007, Qatar Airways announced the single largest order for Airbus’ new generation A350s, placing an order for 80 aircraft and three additional Airbus A380 superjumbos at the Paris Air Show.

During the Dubai Air Show in November 2007, Qatar Airways ordered 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 32 Boeing B777s. Qatar Airways took delivery of its first Boeing aircraft – a Boeing 777-300 Extended Range – in November 2007 with a spectacular water salute ceremony at Doha International Airport. All the Airbus and Boeing orders include options.

From its hub in Doha, capital of Qatar, the airline has developed a global network of destinations, covering Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent, Far East and America. By the beginning of 2005, Qatar Airways flew to 56 destinations, rising to 83 by July 2008 with cities including Geneva, New York, Washington DC, Stockholm and Guangzhou added to the network over the past 12 months.

The launch of New York (Newark) flights in June 2007 marked the airline’s entry into the North American market for the first time. The carrier added daily non-stop flights to Washington DC in July 2007.
From October 26, Qatar Airways switched its flights from Newark to New York’s JFK International Airport, operating non-stop from Doha.

Beginning March 30, 2009, Qatar Airways is set to launch scheduled flights to Houston – its third US destination – one of the longest non-stop flights in the world with a flying time of 17 hours.
During the first half of 2008, Qatar Airways launched scheduled flights to Guangzhou in southern China and Kozhikode in India – the carrier’s ninth Indian route.

In line with the company’s philosophy to be innovative, the airline operates the world’s only dedicated commercial passenger terminal for its First and Business Class passengers at Doha International Airport.

The US$90 million Premium Terminal, built in just nine months, opened in November 2006. It features facilities such as dedicated check-in for First and Business Class passengers, a spa, jacuzzi, duty free, business centre, fine dining restaurants and a cocktail bar.

The airline has grown under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who has been instrumental in turning Qatar Airways into an award-winning carrier and among the best in the world.