2017 will be remembered as an eventful year for Qatar Airways. It started well enough with the launch of an unprecedented business class: the QSuiteWith its removable seat, it can be used to create a double bed as well as a workspace or dining area for four. Then came July and the boycott launched by theSaudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to isolate Qatar. " We have lost 19 destinations, including some important ones. But Dubai and Abu Dhabi don't represent the whole world. We have redeployed and seized this opportunity to open 11 new destinations and increase our frequencies on many lines "says the CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker.
I promise you that we will claim our due from the countries that have banished us.
However, the boycott will have a negative impact on the carrier's financial results. " The cost of transport has risen because the air routes we use are longer. We are also using larger aircraft on certain routes to make our fleet more profitable. Finally, there are the losses generated by the absence of certain important routes that we used to serve. However, we have the necessary resources thanks to our investments. But I promise you that we will claim our due from the countries that have banned us, when the situation allows us to do so. "he adds.
More determined than ever, Qatar Airways is set to further expand its network this year. At a dozen new lines to Asia and Europe. In Asia, Qatar Airways has just launched a route to Antalya, Haytai and Bodrum in Turkey. This will be followed by Cebu and Davao in the PhilippinesLangkawi in Malaysia and Danang in Vietnam. Frequency increases have recently occurred towards BangkokThese will be followed this year by two daily flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and a third daily flight to the Maldives.
In Europe, following the opening of Thessaloniki, Qatar Airways will land its aircraft this year at Cardiff, Copenhagen, Lisbon, London Gatwick, Malaga, Malta and Tallinn. Qatar Airways will also be the first Gulf carrier to land at Luxembourg, " an important destination because of its financial capital status in the European Union "said Akbar Al Baker.
a "new look" economy class, which I promise will be revolutionary
This year, the fleet will be joined by the brand new Airbus A350-1000 for which Qatar Airways is the launch airline. In terms of products, Al Baker has promised that the entire long-haul fleet will be equipped with the QSuiteits new business class before the end of 2019. " We are working on adapting the product for our Airbus A380s, as they are not currently configured for the QSuite, which makes the aircraft heavier. In 2019, we will unveil a new-look economy class, which I promise will be revolutionary. "said Akbar Al Baker.
