Qatar Airways is growing faster than ever, despite an environment that its CEO, the pugnacious Akbar Al Bakerdescribed as " complicated, not least because of the illegal blockade orchestrated by our neighbours "he said at the ITB Berlin press conference. " We are losing money because the blockade can add up to two hours to our flight times, particularly on routes to South America. But we are resilient because our balance sheet is fundamentally strong. "explains the CEO of Qatar Airways.
With regard to this difficult environment, Akbar Al Baker was quick to say lashing out at competitors. " Since the blockade of our country, our neighbours have been experiencing increasing difficulties. One of them is accumulating losses and reducing its network, while the other is seeing its profits fall. Finally, we are taking advantage of this situation by continuing to gain market share in the region. "he stressed.
The company has opened 14 new ports of call in 2018 and is preparing to do the same in 2019. " We can already announce seven new destinationswith the other seven arriving later "warns Akbar Al Baker. Qatar Airways will therefore be opening flights to Davao (Philippines), Izmir, Langkawi (Malaysia), Lisbon, Malta, Mogadishu (Somalia) and Rabat (Morocco) by the end of the summer. The airline is also increasing its frequencies to Copenhagen, Danang (Vietnam), London Gatwick, Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as Vienna. The carrier's flagship business class product - the Q Suiteunveiled two years earlier at theITB Berlin - will also be available this year to Adelaide in Australia and Auckland, Seoul and in Europe from Milan and Zurich. Paris has been one of the world's top destinations in Europe to benefit from the new product two years ago.
But now it's up to passengers to economy class to enhance passenger comfort. The new seats feature a revolutionary 19-degree reclining system, extra legroom, a double shelf for drinks and a computer, 34 cm screens and a fast-charging USB port.
According to Akbar Al Baker, " The new Economy Class experience once again gives Qatar Airways leadership in service across all classes. Not only are we changing seats, but we are also enhancing the in-flight experience with a new catering concept and additional entertainment. "he said.
The company is launching "QuisineThe airline's new Economy Class offer includes a range of quality gourmet dishes. On the menu: more choice with regional specialities and also larger portions in new crockery that bans non-recyclable plastic.
Passengers can also enjoy 4,000 hours of entertainment programmes and a wi-fi connection at high speed. The new service will be rolled out from April while the new seats will first be fitted on the Airbus A320neo and then the Boeing777-8 and 9. It will take between five and seven years for all our aircraft to be equipped. "says the CEO of Qatar Airways.
Oneworld must understand that we are one of the members that contributes most to the power of the alliance.
Finally, Will Qatar Airways remain in thealliance oneworld ? It seemed recently that Akbar Al Baker had put a damper on his recriminations against the alliance and found common ground with Qantas and American Airlines, in particular. " We'll be making an announcement one way or the other in the next two months. Oneworld must understand that we are one of the members that contributes most to the alliance's strength in terms of seats/km. If we leave, it will certainly create a vacuum.says Akbar Al Baker. We wish you all the best...
