The Doha-based airline claims to have seen a 62% growth in outbound passengers from Germany in 2023 when compared with the previous year.  The airline currently flies to four other cities in Germany: Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Berlin Airport (BER), Munich International Airport (MUC) and Dusseldorf Airport (DUS).

According to Qatar Airways, the flights are expected to offer up to 11% growth in Hamburg精东影业 cargo sector as compared to 2023.

The daily flights, which are being served by the airline精东影业 fleet of A350 aircraft, operate on the following schedules:

Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (all local time)

QR89 Doha (DOH) to Hamburg (HAM)  departure 08:35, arrival 14:10

QR90 Hamburg (HAM) to Doha (DOH) departure 15:40, arrival 22:40

Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (all local time)

QR91 Doha (DOH) to Hamburg (HAM), departure 02:15, arrival 07:50

QR92 Hamburg (HAM) to Doha (DOH), departure 09:20, arrival 16:20

鈥淲e are proud to offer our customers from northern Germany one of the most modern and comfortable aircraft choices in the world to travel to some of their favorite destinations, whether for business or leisure,鈥� Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori said in a statement.

“As Germany’s most important foreign trade center, international accessibility is a key factor for Hamburg,鈥� CEO of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce Dr Malte Heyne said.

鈥淭he direct connection to Qatar Airways鈥� Doha hub strengthens Hamburg精东影业 links to global trade. Direct flight connections are an important factor for the attractiveness of investors and tourists as well as for the organization of international congresses and events,” Heyne added.

Qatar Airways posts largest annual profits in its history at $1.7 billion聽聽

• Airlines
• Aviation Economics & Finance

byLuke Peters

2024-07-02

Total revenues for the year increased by QAR4.7 billion (US$1.3 billion), a growth of 6% over the 2022/23 financial year, and marking a significant improvement in the Group精东影业 EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) which grew by QAR1.2 billion (US$0.3 billion). This figure represents an EBITDA margin increase of 24%, with the airline earning QAR19.1 billion (US$5.2 billion), around QAR1.2 billion (US$0.3 billion) higher than the previous year, 

Additionally, the multiple award-winning airline group精东影业 net profits of QAR6.1 billion (US$1.7 billion) during the 2023/24 fiscal year are a jaw-dropping 39% higher than the previous year.   

The airline reported that passenger revenues increased by 19%, with a capacity increase of 21% driven by the airline精东影业 highest-ever load factor of 83%, which in turn led the carrier to see a 鈥渟ustainable upsurge in market share.鈥� Passengers carried during the period surged to more than 40 million 鈥� an increase of 26% over the previous year, as the airline continued its post-pandemic recovery.聽聽

The figures 鈥渞eflect the business精东影业 continued focus on customer experience, innovation, digitalization, and sustainability, resulting in streamlined, agile, and fit-for-purpose operations across all areas鈥� said the airline in a statement. 鈥淭his has created a strong platform for the future of the Group精东影业 airline business鈥�,鈥� it added. 

鈥淭hese very strong financials are a testament to the ambition and clear direction that has informed the Qatar Airways Group精东影业 progress throughout the 2023/24 financial year,鈥� said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.  

鈥淥ur continued focus on profitability, efficiency, and customer experience has been underpinned by a strategic program of network growth and fleet expansion, resulting in the highest revenues and profit margins in the history of the airline. We also cemented our undisputed role as a key industry leader, maintaining our position as the airline of choice for millions of passengers worldwide.鈥�  

鈥淭his incredible achievement is in no small part thanks to the collective endeavour of the entire Qatar Airways Group family who have worked tirelessly to achieve such stellar results. We must now use this as a foundation on which to build our continued success,鈥� Al-Meer added.聽

鈥淭his latest remarkable annual performance demonstrates Qatar Airways Group精东影业 flexibility and resilience in successfully navigating a constantly evolving global travel industry and indicates a strong and sustained rebound from the challenges faced by the sector in recent years,鈥� said Qatar Airways Group Chairman, His Excellency Engr. Saad Bin Sharida Al-Kaabi. 鈥� 

Network growth 

Qatar Airways鈥� network grew to more than 170 destinations in 2023/24, adding three new destinations in Saudi Arabia (Al Ula, Neom, and Tabuk), Lyon and Toulouse in France, Medan in Indonesia, and Trabzon in Turkey during the period. 

These new routes were in addition to the resumption of operations to 14 destinations, including Bahrain, Birmingham (UK), Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, (China), Davao (Philippines), Tokyo-Haneda, and Osaka (Japan), Marrakesh, (Morocco), Nice (France), Penang (Malaysia), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), and Yanbu (Saudi Arabia). 

According to the carrier精东影业 statement: 鈥淭he Group精东影业 Commercial team played an instrumental role in bolstering our competitive position, innovating to exceed customer demand, growing revenue and market share, and ensuring the Qatar Airways Group name is synonymous with excellence 鈥� evident through airline being awarded the 鈥楤est Airline in the Middle East鈥� at the 2023 World Airline Awards managed by Skytrax.鈥� 

Elsewhere in the Group 

On the freight side of the operation, Qatar Airways Cargo maintained its position as one of the world精东影业 leading air cargo carriers, as the division reported an increase in market share to 7.1% in 2023/24, a modest increase of 0.04% compared to the previous financial year. Qatar Airways Cargo is currently celebrating its 20th鈥痽ear of operation in 2024. 鈥�

Another of the Group精东影业 companies, Qatar Executive (QE) continued to deliver a solid business performance as the only business jet brand owned and fully integrated with a commercial airline globally. With consistent growth over the 2023/24 fiscal year, QE saw an increase in commercial charter revenue of more than 17%, with a rise in hours flown of over 21% with strong growth seen particularly in Europe, the US, and Asia markets.聽

Qatar Airways wins big at 2024 Skytrax awards, Delta takes four awards聽聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-06-25

The move for Australia精东影业 second largest airline could be announced in early July 2024, according to the report, which quoted anonymous sources within the airline.  

The report also claimed that the sale of an equity stake in Virgin Australia to Singapore Airlines had been considered at some point, but then ruled out. 

The share purchase would likely strengthen the cooperation between the two airlines, which already have a partnership in place facilitating the flow of passengers between their respective networks and the connectivity between some 30 Australian destinations and Qatar Airways鈥� global network. 

The existing collaboration between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia in some respects mirrors the one in place between these two main airlines鈥� main competitors, Emirates and Qantas, to facilitate traffic between Australia and destinations across the globe. 

Private equity group Bain Capital bought Virgin Australia in 2020 for A$3.5 billion (US$2.45 billion) as the Australian carrier was reeling from the impact of the COVID pandemic. Virgin Australia has since gone through a restructuring process that saw it lay off a significant number of staff and reduce the size of its fleet.  

As of June 2024, Virgin Australia operates a fleet of 87 aircraft, all of them Boeing 737s (a mix of 鈥�700, -800 and MAX versions). 

Virgin Australia considers switching orders from 737 MAX 10 to 737 MAX 8s聽聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2 minute read

Bain Capital, the airline精东影业 current owners, are said to be planning an IPO at some point in 2024. But the decision has been repeatedly delayed.  

In any case, any deal to acquire a significant equity stake in Virgin Australia would need to be approved by Australia精东影业 Foreign Investment Review Board. Australia精东影业 government, which has had a somewhat troubled relationship with Qatar Airways on account of its聽restrictive market access policy, will have the final say on the deal.聽

Qatar Airways鈥� home and hub airport, Doha精东影业 Hamad International Airport (DOH), was named 鈥榃orld精东影业 Best Airport鈥� in 2024 by Skytrax for the third time. The airport also received the award for 鈥楤est Airport in the Middle East鈥� for the tenth time, and the airport精东影业 retail, Qatar Duty-Free, received 鈥榃orld’s Best Airport Shopping鈥� for the second consecutive year. This remarkable achievement is the first time that an airline, an airport, and the airport精东影业 retail have been crowned as 鈥榃orld精东影业 Best鈥� in all three Skytrax categories.鈥�

Widely regarded by many to be the 鈥極scars鈥� of the commercial aviation industry, the Skytrax Airline Awards are said to represent the 鈥減innacle of excellence in aviation鈥�. 

鈥淭his is a proud moment for Qatar Airways,鈥� said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. 鈥淚 am honored to share this award with my dedicated team. This award is a testimony to our relentless commitment to providing unparalleled service and innovation. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the highest level of excellence.鈥澛�

鈥淨atar Airways鈥� impressive achievement of winning the Airline of the Year title for the eighth time, alongside three additional top accolades, is a true testament to the airline精东影业 high standards and dedication. Qatar Airways was and will continue to be customers鈥� favorite airline,鈥� added Skytrax Chief Executive Officer, Edward Plaisted.聽聽

In other award categories, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines was named 鈥楤est Airline in North America鈥� and 鈥楤est Airline Staff鈥�. 2024 becomes the fourth consecutive year that Delta has won the first of these and the third in the second category. 

Delta also scooped the North America category awards for 鈥楤est Business Class鈥�, 鈥楤est Premium Economy Class鈥�, 鈥楤est Economy Class鈥�, 鈥楤est Business Class Onboard Catering鈥�, 鈥楤est Cabin Crew鈥� and 鈥楤est Economy Class Onboard Catering鈥�.  

With this haul of awards, Delta certainly fared better than its two main US rivals. American Airlines failed to trouble the judging panel by claiming no awards, while United won the conciliatory category of 鈥楤est Business Class Lounge in North America鈥�. However, none of the 鈥楤ig Three鈥� US carriers managed to appear in the rankings of the top 20 world精东影业 best airlines (see below).   

Elsewhere, Air Canada was awarded four awards in the North American category in total. The Toronto-based carrier was voted the 鈥楳ost Family Friendly Airline in North America鈥�, the Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering鈥�, and the 鈥楥leanest Airline in North America鈥�. For Canada specifically, the airline took the award for 鈥楤est Cabin Crew鈥�.聽聽

Global rankings 

Overall, Skytrax精东影业 list of the top ten airlines globally gives the casual observer as well as the industry expert something of an insight into the state of the global airline industry as well as where innovation and passenger experience is paramount and perhaps, where it rather lags behind. The top 10 world精东影业 best airlines ranked as follows –  

• Qatar Airways聽
• Singapore Airlines聽

• 贰尘颈谤补迟别蝉听
• All Nippon Airways (ANA)聽
• Cathay Pacific Airways聽
• Japan Airlines聽
• Turkish Airlines聽
• EVA Air聽
• Air France聽
• 厂奥滨厂厂听

Out of the top 10 global airlines, five are based in the Far East, three in the Middle East (if you include Turkey and Turkish Airlines in this region), while the remaining two are European.  

Some results that may come as a surprise to some readers could be British Airways (13th place), Virgin Atlantic (17th), Etihad (19th), Air New Zealand (22nd), and Qantas (24th).    

Delta Air Lines was the only American carrier to feature in the top 30, coming in at number 21, while Air Canada was the sole other North American carrier to make the top 30 at number 29. United struggled its way into the top 50 at position 42, while American Airlines fell well short of that benchmark, claiming the 78th spot.聽聽

Emirates serves over 45 million luxury chocolates per year to its passengers 聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-07-04

On June 10, 2024, flight QR 204 was scheduled to depart Athens International Airport (ATH) in the early afternoon, bound for Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha. 

However, due to a technical issue, the B777 aircraft had to be grounded in temperatures that came close to 40 degrees Celsius, amid a that enveloped Greece throughout the week. 

To make matters worse, the aircraft精东影业 air conditioning system was not working, and the flight精东影业 captain reportedly refused to let passengers deboard while the issue was being fixed.

Passengers onboard took to social media to share their ordeal, with some filming footage of the scene inside the cabin and uploading it to various platforms.

One of the videos uploaded to social media platform Instagram shows passengers looking extremely uncomfortable. Many are seen fanning themselves and others seem to have passed out from the heat. Some passengers could not bear the heat and resorted to taking off their shirts.

Another video clip taken by the same passenger, sports massage therapist Garth Collins,, focuses on a man in the cabin looking very distressed. The video uploader identified the man as Damian Collins, a martial artist and personal trainer. 

The post caption said:

鈥�3.5 hours with the doors closed, no air cooling, and zero sustenance. People were passing out, and panic ensued. Damian is a fit, conditioned athlete, imagine the stress and danger for any normal individual.

Currently the passengers are queueing at the check in counters to find out when they will be flown out of Athens, and what will be done about their connecting flights in Doha.

Passengers were eventually given a cup of water and small soft drink, completely insufficient to rehydrate an individual after the enforced sauna on the plane.鈥�

Following strong protests, passengers were finally allowed to disembark the aircraft after 3.5 hours. 

They were then provided with overnight accommodation and boarded the flight the following day, at 10:30 local time to Doha. 

In a statement sent to various media outlets, an airline spokesperson said: 鈥淨atar Airways sincerely apologizes for the delay to passengers traveling on flight QR204 from Athens (ATH) to Doha (DOH) on Monday, 10 June 2024, which was due to a technical issue.鈥�

The resumption of the route was celebrated on June 12, 2024, at a special ceremony at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, UAE, where passengers were welcomed at the gate with Italian music and canapes. 

Such was the excitement surrounding the new route that even the Italian Ambassador to the state of Qatar, Paolo Toschi, attended the festivities at the gate. 

Qatar Airways already flies directly to Milan and Rome but as part of the airline精东影业 2024 network expansion, the decision was made to add a third Italian option for passengers.聽

鈥淎s we enter the summer season, we are excited to resume our daily service to Venice. Italy is a key market for Qatar Airways, and we are committed to providing our passengers with more travel opportunities and seamless connections to explore this wonderful country,鈥� Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said.聽

Commemorating the resumption of daily non-stop services to Venice, passengers were welcomed at the gate with Italian music and canapes.

The Italian Ambassador to the state of Qatar, H.E. Mr. Paolo Toschi attended the festivities at the gate.

馃搷 Hamad International Airport,鈥�

— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways)

He added: 鈥淚n addition to Venice, Qatar Airways already serves two other major Italian cities, Rome and Milan. These flights have been incredibly popular among our passengers, and we are thrilled to expand our Italian offerings with the inclusion of Venice, through our world-class award-winning hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport.鈥� 

Flights from DOH to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) will depart daily at 09:00 and arrive in Italy at 14.20. 

Return flights will depart VCE at 16:50 and land back at DOH at 23.10.  

Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 global destinations.聽

Emirates serves over 45 million luxury chocolates per year to its passengers 聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-07-04

The MoU, signed by Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and China Southern Airlines President and CEO Han Wensheng, outlines a framework for strengthening market presence and cooperation in cargo and frequent flyer programs. 

“As part of our robust partnership with China Southern Airlines, Qatar Airways is building on the success of the new route from Doha to Guangzhou, which was launched in April this year, to offer more choice to both airline passengers,” Al-Meer said.聽

The partnership will also extend to frequent flyer benefits, allowing Qatar Airways Privilege Club and China Southern’s Sky Pearl Club members to earn and spend points on both airlines, along with tier benefits like lounge access and other airport amenities. 

China Southern has become Qatar Airways’ third codeshare partner in China, joining Cathay Pacific and Xiamen Airlines.聽

The Doha-based carrier said that six weekly flights to Lisbon will be added to its summer schedule, catering to high demand for the destination. The service ceased during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Lisbon will be the 47th European destination served by Qatar Airways. 

The airline suggested that the Portuguese capital also opens up a new entry point for international travel from Europe to the Middle East, Africa, as well as the Indian subcontinent. 

A report by stated that Lisbon received almost 6.5 million foreign visitors in 2023, almost a million more than in 2022. The city was also voted the Best Urban Destination in Europe at the 30th European edition of the World Travel Awards in 2023.

“As we continue our network expansion in the European market, we are thrilled to welcome back Lisbon to our global network of more than 170 destinations,鈥� Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer said in a statement.

鈥淭his addition reaffirms the airline’s dedication to connecting people and places, making international travel more accessible and convenient across our global network,鈥� Antinori continued.

Qatar Airways launches direct inaugural flight from Doha to Tashkent, Uzbekistan

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-06-03

As reported by Bloomberg back in March 2024, the Doha-based carrier was said to be looking to place orders for around 100-150 long-range jets in 2024. However, it now appears that these earlier requirements are to be revised upwards, with both Airbus and Boeing being the beneficiaries in any deal to be unveiled at Farnborough. 

According to a report published by Bloomberg on June 3, 2024, sources said to be close to the negotiations have told the media outlet that the Middle Eastern airline is now considering an order for approximately 200 aircraft, which will feature a mix of both Airbus and the yet uncertified Boeing 777X series. A decision could come as early as the Farnborough Airshow in the UK being held between July 22 and 26, 2024, said the sources.

Should the Qatari airline opt to split the order as suggested, then it would mark a remarkable turnaround in the relationship between the carrier and Airbus who in 2023 ended a year-long litigation over quality issues concerning A350 deliveries being made to the airline which were frozen as a result, although they have since resumed.  

It would also be seen as a much-needed endorsement of a beleaguered Boeing that has been the subject of several adverse high-profile news-grabbing headlines since the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 door blowout in January 2024.      

鈥淚 understand that Airbus and Boeing are facing certain challenges鈥� said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. 鈥淗owever, we have complete confidence in both companies, and we believe they are resilient enough to overcome these challenges.鈥濃�燞e added that he was 鈥�110% confident鈥� in Boeing精东影业 commitment to safety.聽

Qatar Airways needs the new aircraft to replace older jets in its fleet while boosting overall long-haul capacity to meet the increasing demand for international travel. The new aircraft will continue to enhance the passenger onboard experience while ensuring that the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft make up the backbone of its widebody fleet.  

Neither Boeing nor Airbus have responded to inquiries made about any imminent Qatar Airways widebody order, either at Farnborough 2024 or otherwise.聽聽聽

Qatar Airways named 鈥楢irline of the Year 2024鈥� by airline ratings website聽聽聽聽聽聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-05-30

The airline now offers four weekly direct flights to Uzbekistan精东影业 capital city using the carrier精东影业 fleet of A320 aircraft.

鈥淲e are excited to introduce Tashkent as our latest destination, offering travelers convenient access to the cultural and economic heart of Uzbekistan,鈥� Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said in a statement.

鈥淭his new route underscores our commitment to expanding our global network through Central Asia and providing our passengers with more travel options. We look forward to strengthening the ties between Qatar and Uzbekistan through enhanced connectivity and cultural exchange.鈥�

Tashkent is the main economic and cultural center of Central Asia.

鈥淭his new route will strengthen bilateral relations between Qatar and Uzbekistan, boosting economic, cultural, and tourism cooperation and highlighting the aviation sector’s role in economic development,鈥� Mohamed Faleh Al Hajri, Acting President of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) said.

Flights to Tashkent from Doha depart every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday on the following schedules:

QR377 departs Doha (DOH) at 19:50 local time, arrives in Tashkent (TAS) at 01:20 local time the following day

QR 378 departs Tashkent (TAS) at 03:20 local time, arrives in Doha (DOH) at 05:20

Qatar Airways named 鈥楢irline of the Year 2024鈥� by airline ratings website聽聽聽聽聽聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-05-30