Qatar Airways takes part in world's biggest travel trade fair in Germany

Qatar Airways was once again delighted to take part in the annual show, which attracted more than 150,000 visitors and over 10,000 exhibitors. The airline exhibited with a 200sqm two-tier stand, showcasing its world-renowned hospitality.

On display was Qatar Airways' award-winning First and Business Class seats and a model of the New Doha International Airport, which is due to open in 2010. Qatar Airways also had a fabulous line-up on entertainment for visitors to enjoy.

To celebrate the launch of flights to the southern industrial city of Guangzhou in China on March 31, Qatar Airways had Chinese lion dancers performing regularly on the stand throughout the show.

And American cowgirls showed off their dancing talents with jaw-dropping entertainment attracting scores of visitors as the airline was also promoting its new flights to Houston, due to begin on November 10.

During an ITB Berlin conference panel discussion on climate change, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker spoke of the airline's environmental drive - in particular, its move towards using gas-to-fuel (liquefied gas) technology to power its aircraft in the future. Such a move would, he said, significantly reduce carbon emissions and create greater operational efficiency.

Qatar Airways walked off with the runner-up prize at the 2008 Golden City Gate International Film awards at ITB Berlin for its TV vignettes produced by CNN International.

Al Baker, who headed a delegation from head office in Doha to the five-day event, held a press conference on the opening day of ITB Berlin, where he spoke of the airline's summer expansion plans focusing on additional flights to more than a dozen cities worldwide.

'ITB Berlin was once again a great event bringing together the world's travel industry for five days of business,' he said.

'The show was a perfect platform to meet industry colleagues, make new and renew business relationships, but most of all, tell the world about our ever continuing success story.'

'Over the years we have used the occasion at ITB Berlin to showcase our latest products, announce our newest routes and present our superb Arabic hospitality. And this year was no exception as we announced our new routes to Guangzhou and Houston, as well as unveil details of our summer capacity expansion.'

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 62 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 81 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Far East and North America.