Qatar Airways named as TTG Airline of the Year

Qatar Airways beat airlines worldwide to walk away with the coveted title of Airline of the Year from readers of TTG, a weekly UK-based travel trade magazine.

Qatar Airways boss Akbar Al Baker said the Doha-based airline was honoured to receive the award, the latest in a string of accolades.

“We have once again demonstrated that we can outshine our competitors and what better way to be recognised than by our key travel trade partners who help influence customers’ choice as to which airline to fly with,” he said.

“To be named Airline of the Year is a magnificent achievement and I would like to extend my thanks to our UK team and the UK travel trade for working closely together to build a stronger partnership.

“We have worked very hard to build our presence globally since the airline was launched just over 10 years ago. For such a young airline, this award from the UK travel trade is a tremendous feat.”

Qatar Airways’ UK country manager Rachel Finn picked up the award and she said: “We are very proud to have won this prestigious award. Our UK sales team has been working incredibly hard to develop and strengthen Qatar Airways’ relationship with the trade – and it is wonderful to have received such recognition.”

Competitor airlines were praised for excellent product and customer service. The judges, however, decided to reward the fresh approach to the trade brought in by Qatar Airways’ new-look UK sales team. This included making online offers available to travel agents; establishing new partnerships with tour operators; initiating a series of trade roadshows and familiarisation trips; and the launch of a new online training programme for agents.

Judges also felt that the carrier's solid financial base gave customers reassurance during a turbulent time for the airline industry and there was unanimous praise for Qatar Airways’ excellence in customer service.