Twelve years after its creation, Qatar Airways is racking up successes and expanding its list of destinations. What strategies will enable the airline to maintain its prestige?
Akbar Al Baker - Since 1997, Qatar Airways has grown from a regional airline to an international company. Our five-star service, the attention we pay to our passengers and the superior quality of our equipment make us very competitive. Qatar Airways will continue to expand its list of destinations - seven new routes are planned for 2009 - as well as the frequency of its flights. We will soon be receiving more than 200 new aircraft worth 40 billion dollars. And we now serve 18 key European cities.
What can premium customers expect from the new Doha airport?
A. Al B. - The New Doha International Airport, the only airport in the world specifically built to receive the Airbus 380, is scheduled to open in 2012. It will rapidly expand from an initial capacity of 24 million passengers to 50 million after 2015. The current Premium Terminal will account for only 20 % of our premium space, as the NDIA terminal will cover 4,000 m2. And an Emiri (royal) terminal will be entirely dedicated to VIP flights. We are also planning a 100-room hotel within the terminal.
How much will the new airport cost? What will it mean for the airline?
A. Al B. - This airport will be a crucial point in the infrastructural development of Doha. It will also be a hub located halfway between East and West. Covering an area of 2,200 hectares, the NDIA will be a blend of architectural and technological daring at a cost of 9 billion dollars.
