Qatar Airways' business class named best in world

The 2008 Global Winners of the World Travel Awards - also known as the travel industry's 'Oscars' - were announced at the 15th Annual World Gala Ceremony which took place at Beaches resort on the Caribbean island of Turks & Caicos.

In a worldwide survey conducted by the World Travel Awards, professionals in the travel and tourism industry initially voted Qatar Airways as the Middle East's Leading Business Class Airline for the second year running.

Subsequently, the winners from each region were put forward to the international final which saw airlines, hotels, cruise operators and travel ancillary companies from across the globe compete against each other to be named the world's best.

Hailed as the world's largest and most important international awards for the travel industry, The World Travel Awards aims to encourage supreme excellence, value, innovation and quality in every aspect of the customer offering.

Qatar Airways has been showered with awards this year and this latest accolade from the World Travel Awards brings the total number to ten. With recognition for all elements of Qatar Airways' service this year both in the sky as well as on the ground, from the premium terminal and business class to its first-rate cabin crew and inflight entertainment, the airline can celebrate a hugely positive 2008.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker expressed his delight that travel industry peers had, once again, recognised the airline for its premium service saying:

"2008 has seen Qatar Airways continue to go from strength to strength. The fact that the airline has been awarded such an impressive number of industry honours is testament to the fact that our efforts in providing a superior service both onboard and on the ground have been recognised."

Al Baker added, "To be named as having the best business class in the world at the biggest travel event of the year by the most prestigious industry awards body just goes to prove that, once again, Qatar Airways is seen by the travel industry as the preferred airline for frequent corporate travellers not only in the Middle East but worldwide."

He said, "We are extremely proud of our business class product and feel that to be awarded this title for World's Leading Business Class demonstrates trust that the airline offers a superior business class product and quality service over and above its competition."

"This award is recognition that Qatar Airways continues to lead what is a highly competitive aviation industry by offering the most innovative premium services to our valued customers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who works at Qatar Airways for making the airline the success that it is today," Mr Al Baker concluded.

Qatar Airways operates a young and modern fleet of 64 Boeing and Airbus aircraft serving 83 cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America. It currently has outstanding orders for more than 200 aircraft worth over $40bn.