Doha: Qatar Airways (QA) has been named the ‘World’s Most Dependable Airline’ in a comprehensive study of all major carriers, published by CBS MoneyWatch and conducted by recognised travel site, WanderBat.
QA was chosen to lead a select list of 22 international airlines based on on-time percentage, low cost to check bags, and average age of airline fleet. No US-based carrier made it to the list.
“We are pleased to once again be recognised as leaders in world aviation,” said Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive, QA Group.
“Our unmatched dependability comes from an enduring commitment to serve our guests on-time, in comfort and with the hospitality-centric dedication and convenience they deserve. This study reinforced the importance of all these points for world travellers.”
The study highlighted QA’s staggering on-time percentage, which “other airlines strive to reach,” as a major factor in the final tally.
Al Baker pointed to new advancements in the air and on the ground and said: “QA is the model for the next-generation of international airlines.
“Having recently unveiled the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport in Doha — ranked the best in the Middle East at the Skytrax Awards ceremony — QA’s hub has the world’s finest aviation facilities, allowing us to manage our modern fleet with the utmost operational precision. Our ongoing commitment to advanced, modern aircraft has also been a key factor in keeping our business and leisure passengers on schedule anywhere in the world.”
Qatar is the global launch customer and launch operation of the new Airbus A350, a further sign of commitment to commercial aviation technology and excellence.
The study also referred to QA’s continued growth and renowned five-star service and amenities, including Giorgio Armani kits with fragrances, earplugs, eye masks, socks and lotions for business and first class passengers.
QA was recently named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘Best Middle Eastern Airline’ by Skytrax, as well as ‘World’s Best Airline’ in 2011 and 2012. Recognised travel information experts Skift recently named QA ‘Best Economy Long-Haul Experience’.
QA has seen rapid growth in 18 years of operation and today flies a modern fleet of 152 aircraft to 146 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Americas.
The Peninsula
