Qatar Airways reinforces top ten status in Skytrax Awards

Travellers from 95 countries selected Qatar Airways as their airline of choice among Middle East carriers, and also honoured the airline's cabin crew for its outstanding level of onboard service and excellence.

Results from the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards have positioned Qatar Airways as the best airline in the Middle East for the third consecutive year, heading off strong competition in a region experiencing massive growth in its aviation sector. Qatar Airways' cabin crew was named Best in the Middle East for the sixth straight year, further cementing Qatar Airways' reputation as a Five-Star carrier.

Following this year's survey of 15 million international travellers, Qatar Airways also received recognition for its catering in the airline's premium cabins, with both First and Business Class catering featuring in the top five lists of award recipients. The airline's exclusive Premium Terminal was also high on the lists of First and Business Class lounges, having been recognised as among the best in the world.

This year's results continue to recognise the airline's ambitious efforts to provide passengers with the best onboard service in the global aviation industry, according to Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.

Al Baker said he was extremely pleased that Qatar Airways was once again honoured as one of the world's top airlines.

"We place an emphasis on providing the best quality product and service for our passengers, and to have our customers recognise Qatar Airways' efforts in these awards is very satisfying.

"For an airline that is barely a decade old, we have already achieved phenomenal success. However, Qatar Airways will continue to strive further ahead to reach our ultimate goal of being voted Best Airline in the World.

"Recognition must also be given to the airline's staff, who are committed to delivering the best levels of service in the skies. It's their efforts which ultimately determine how the airline is judged," added Al Baker.

Qatar Airways has held the coveted Five Star Skytrax award for customer product and service excellence since 2004 when the airline became only the third carrier to be awarded the status.

Skytrax is recognised around the world for being the only truly global, independent aviation industry monitor. Results of the 2008 World Airline Awards are derived from 15 million passenger surveys from 95 different nationalities completed over an 11-month period.