LOS ANGELES, USA – In a magnificent reception held by Global Traveller magazine, Qatar Airways was awarded three honours: Best Airline for International First Class, Best First-Class Seat Design and, for the third time, Best Airline in the Middle East. The event, held in The Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel, was attended by over 25 other industry representatives and also marked the start of the Global Traveller’s charitable initiative for The Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society.

The Global Traveller Awards, celebrating their 13th year, are noted for being reader-driven. The 2016 voting process included more than 22,000 voters from across the United States in over a dozen categories; highlighting the stiff competition for these prestigious titles. Readers of Global Traveler are known for their extensive international flying and preference for First and Business Class travel.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways takes pride in the many awards bestowed upon us and to win recognition from passengers who are familiar with the ins and outs of international travel, is especially rewarding. Providing the world’s best Premium Class travel continues to be our goal. For luxury global trips, there is no better choice than Qatar Airways’ award-winning service.”

Qatar Airways’ First Class cabin features eight suites on the upper deck of the A380 in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each seat features a 90-inch pitch with a fully lie-flat bed, 26-inch HD in-flight entertainment screen and direct aisle access. The First Class cabin also offers features exclusive spa-inspired bathrooms with luxurious amenities to ensure passengers enjoy a comfortable and leisurely flight.

Likewise, Qatar Airways Business Class continues to receive top mentions from around the world; including Skytrax “World’s Best Business Class” and “Best Business Class” from Business Traveller Awards. In the past few months, Qatar Airways was awarded “Airline with the Best Business Class Service in the World” and “Best Airline in the Middle East” from Business Traveller USA; plus Travel Weekly recognised the airline’s International Business Class experience on the A350 aircraft with a Gold award. The airline will introduce a new Business Class concept in the first quarter of 2017, refreshing an already award-winning product and taking it to the next level. Global Traveller prides itself on connecting business travellers with the latest in travel trends and offerings. Qatar Airways has been frequently featured in the magazine as the airline continues to raise the bar of quality service in the air. The oneworld alliance took home the title of “Best Airline Alliance.” Qatar Airways has been a member of the oneworld since 2013.

Qatar Airways to increase Melbourne capacity with Airbus A380

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Qatar Airways has unveiled plans to introduce Airbus A380 aircraft on its flights between Doha and Melbourne, Australia from 30 June 2017.

The 517-seater A380 aircraft will increase Qatar Airways’ current daily capacity by 44%.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, said, “As we continue to grow apace in Australia, we have seen a clear need to inject additional capacity on the Melbourne service. We are delighted to introduce our A380 aircraft to Melbourne after seven years of operation to the world’s most liveable city.”

The 517-seat capacity is spread across twin decks in a tri-class configuration of eight seats in First Class, 48 seats in Business Class and 461 in Economy Class.

Qatar Airways’ A380 features a First Class Cabin with ultra-wide seats which recline into a flat bed, two-passenger table extension dining, and designer sleeper suits, flight slippers and amenities.

In Business Class passengers can also enjoy direct aisle access with the 1-2-1 seat configuration and a suite of entertainment options including on-board Wi-Fi, keeping them fully connected while up in the air.

In addition, passengers in First and Business Class can relax and socialise at the on-board lounge located on the upper deck of the superjumbo.

Economy Class passengers also benefit with the added spaciousness of the A380, with higher ceilings on the main deck, a wider seat configuration and design to offer more legroom plus contoured headrests.

Passengers travelling from Melbourne to London and Paris can enjoy the Qatar Airways A380 experience throughout their journey to these two European destinations.