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The airline unveiled new business class seats for its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners last month.
AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief, Geoffrey Thomas, said: In our objective analysis Qatar Airways came out number one in virtually all of our audit criteria, which is an exceptional performance.
The award comes after Qatar was also named world s best airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2019, the last time those awards were held. It was the sixth time Qatar had taken out that award. Over the past 16 months, the aviation industry has witnessed some of its darkest days, but Qatar Airways has continued to operate and stand by our passengers despite many other airlines halting operations due the pandemic, said Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker.
22 Jul 2021
Qatar Airlines has been named Airline of the Year for 2021 in AirlineRatings.com’s coveted Airline Excellence Awards.
The Doha-based airline nudged out Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines for the top spot followed by Qantas, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific.
AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said Qatar was being honoured for its innovation, product and industry leadership, as well as its extraordinary commitment to keeping the world’s critical long-haul air routes open during COVID-19.
“The airline has a host of industry firsts. First to complete IATA’s important IOSA safety audit, first to be fully COVID audited and compliant by both AirlineRatings and Skytrax, and amongst the first to trial IATA’s COVID Safe Travel Pass,” he said.
To make the grade, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating and show innovation in terms of passenger experience.
Geoffrey Thomas, founder and editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings.com, said that Qatar was led by an “inspirational” chief executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker.
“Mr. Al Baker’s drive for perfection has led to many improvements in both Airbus and Boeing aircraft and travellers across the world are better off because of the passion and the pursuit of excellence of Qatar Airways,” Mr. Thomas said.
Commenting on the win, His Excellency Mr Al Baker said: “Over the past 16 months, we have witnessed some of the darkest days ever seen by the aviation industry.