Qatar Airways Economy Class named best in world

The Doha-based carrier also earned the title Best Airline in the Middle East for the fourth year running, while its cabin crew have yet again demonstrated delivering the highest levels of service by being named Best in the region for an unprecedented seventh year in a row.

In addition, Qatar Airways' global ranking has risen commendably, up three places to fourth best in the world - the highest placing of any Middle East carrier.

Ranked as the only Middle East carrier in the elite club of Five Star airlines as adjudged by Skytrax, Qatar Airways won praise for its continued commitment to offering the travelling public unrivalled levels of inflight service.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker picked up the accolades during the 10th anniversary Skytrax World Airline Awards celebrations at a ceremony held in Hamburg, attended by more than 500 people.

Al Baker said:

"It is a great honour, on behalf of Qatar Airways, to be recognised yet again for our high levels of service and hospitality which we remain committed to."

"Most airlines invest heavily in developing their premium cabins and, while we continue to do this, Qatar Airways strives to innovate in Economy Class ensuring our high standards are maintained and passenger expectations are exceeded worldwide," he added.

Qatar Airways recently revamped its Economy Class inflight-service, which sees all onboard meals served in a more upmarket, appetising and stylish way, aimed at enhancing passengers' overall flying experience.

New-look colourful meal tray components offer Economy Class passengers a whole new take on food presentation, guiding them on a wonderful culinary journey.

Skytrax Chief Executive Officer Edward Plaisted said, "As a well established Five Star airline, Qatar Airways achieved success in the Economy Class section, which was one of the most closely contested survey categories. In the Middle East there is Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways all vying for the Best in Region title, and Qatar Airways achieved a strong performance to take this award."

More than 16 million air travellers drawn from over 95 different nationalities took part in the eight-month long survey. The awards are recognised around the world for being the only true global independent passenger survey of airline standards.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 68 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 84 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America.

During 2009, Qatar Airways will expand its global operations with the launch of 6 new routes - Sydney and Melbourne in Australia; Goa and Amritsar in India; and two further cities in Europe.