Qatar Airways was named ‘Best Regional Middle East/Africa Airline’ in Money magazine’s 2017 ‘Best in Travel’ and was named Runner-Up for the title of ‘Best Overall International Airline’. These latest awards join a number of distinguished accolades the airline has recently received, including the esteemed ‘Airline of the Year’ title at the 2017 Air Transport Awards, one of the highest honours in the industry.

The Money magazine Best in Travel awards is an established annual ranking that highlights the best in the travel industry where quality, cost and value intersect. These prominent awards were bestowed upon Qatar Airways for its standout passenger experience, with the airline receiving high marks for its unmatched value, comfort and entertainment offerings in flight, which includes smartphone connectivity and up to 3,000 viewing options such as the latest blockbuster movies and TV box sets.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said: “We are delighted to be named the Best Regional airline by Money magazine. Qatar Airways is dedicated to providing its passengers with an outstanding on-board experience, and we take tremendous pride in the highest standards of service we deliver. To have been recognised with this award is a testament to our continued dedication to ensuring that each and every passenger’s journey is exceptional.”

Continuing its ongoing commitment to ensure the highest levels of  service, Qatar Airways recently launched its new Qsuite, the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the centre four seats allow colleagues, friends or families travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, permitting them to work, dine and socialize together.

These new features provide the ultimate customisable travel experience that enables passengers to create an environment that suits their own unique needs and ensures that Qatar Airways continues to lead the airline industry in terms of passenger experience in the skies.

Qatar Airways chief accuses US carriers of ‘bullying’

AFP: The chief of Qatar Airways on Monday accused American carriers complaining over alleged subsidies to Gulf airlines of “bullying”, as he announced new US routes in defiance of mounting airport restrictions.

US carriers Delta, United and American Airlines have accused Qatar Airways along with Dubai’s Emirates and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad of benefitting from government subsidies to expand their transcontinental networks.

They have urged US President Donald Trump to take action against the Gulf airlines, who deny any form of subsidy.

Speaking to reporters at the annual Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Qatar Airways chief Akbar al-Baker said he didn’t expect any action from Washington.

“President Trump is a wise individual and a very good businessman, and I don’t think he will buy into bullying by the three American carriers,” Baker said.

Qatar Airways was among the airlines affected by the ban imposed last month on electronic devices larger than a smartphone on flights to the United States from 10 airports in the Middle East and Turkey.

Baker, whose carrier is offering free laptops to premium passengers in response to the ban, said Qatar Airways has faced some drop in business to US destinations.

“There was some decline. Something manageable. We did not have massive declines,” he said. 

“We still have robust business in the United States... and we will continue our expansion,” he added. 

Baker announced San Fransisco as a new route to  be added to its 10 US destinations early next year. A route to Las Vegas will be launched in the second quarter of 2018, he said. 

Emirates, the Middle East’s largest carrier, said last week it was reducing flights to the United States in response to “weakened travel demand.” 

The US ban went into effect on March 25 on nine airlines in Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

Britain followed with a similar ban from five countries from the Middle East, northern Africa and Turkey.

The fast-growing Gulf carriers have turned their home airports into major hubs for international travellers, capturing a sizable chunk of travel between the West and Asia and Australasia.