DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) yesterday announced that it had been named ‘Best Economy Long-Haul Experience’ by SKIFT, a leader in world travel trends and information, according to a statement.
The study, which included major international airlines, was a comprehensive evaluation of user experience to “determine the best cabin experiences around the world”. The distinction joins QA’s other titles, including World’s Best Business Class from Skytrax, which the five-star airline has won for the past two consecutive years.
“Having received such prestigious honours for our Business Class, we are proud to be recognised for our commitment to all of our world travellers,” said Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, QA. “Our vision has always been to create the world’s finest travel experience; in the air and on the ground, in every seat on every flight, for business and leisure passengers. We are honoured by the recognition and inspired to set new standards for our hospitable, five-star service,” he added.
The decision was reached by evaluating all aspects of the airline user experience, including website, economy cabin comfort, inflight meals, added perks and overall design aesthetic.
While acknowledging the quality of previous passenger rating systems, the study set out to minimise bias and deliver a data-driven evaluation.
“We chose a system which put the very subjective ‘best’ in an objective context,” wrote Marisa Garcia of SKIFT. “We also wanted to consider the overall passenger experience point-to-point and give ratings which, though always subjective, could be justified as equitable.
The recognition comes weeks after QA launched the brand-new Airbus A350 from the manufacturer’s headquarters in Toulouse, France. QA is the first in the world to offer the most modern and newest aircraft, and completed the inaugural passenger flight between Doha and Frankfurt on January 15.
The Peninsula
