01/05/2004

May 1, 2004

DOHA - Independent aviation quality monitor Skytrax has awarded Qatar Airways its highest accolade for airline service -- a Five Star ranking for premier status -- ensuring the airline becomes only the world's third airline to achieve such privileged status.

Qatar Airways' Chief Executive Officer Mr. Akbar Al Baker announced today that Qatar Airways has now joined Cathy Pacific and Singapore Airlines as a leader in airline quality.

"We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded a five star ranking. It cements Qatar Airways' position as a world leader of airline quality," said Mr Al Baker.

"The five-star ranking is the 'ultimate' approval of Qatar Airways' strong commitment to deliver the best service in the sky.

"It recognises that Qatar Airways is at the forefront of product innovation.

"Only two other airlines in the world are carrying this prestigious status, and to be awarded second place out of the three airlines, is an honour indeed.

"The star-ranking represents a quality rating for services provided by an airline, from its lounges, transfers to the aircraft and all aspects of the in-flight service and amenities for all classes of travel.

"Qatar Airways was awarded five stars in a number of categories such as onboard catering, cabin staff service, staff attitude and friendliness, lounge facilities, transfers and also on the overall amenities and services relating to First Class.

"In Skytrax's recently announced popular survey for 2004 Airline of the Year, Qatar Airways featured as seventh best airline, up from 24th the year before. We were the highest-moving entrant in the 2004 top rankings.

"The five star ranking and our achievement in the popular Airline of the Year survey, demonstrates that we are being acknowledged as one of the best airlines by the airline industry and by the travelling public.

"These results certainly prove that we are on the way to becoming the best airline in the world," said Mr Al Baker.

The 2004 Skytrax survey was carried out between June 2003 and March 2004, with a total of 10.8 million eligible entries from passengers made up from more than 92 nationalities. These statistics allow this survey to claim to be the world's largest independent passenger survey and it is being generally recognised as the leading global monitor of passenger opinions.

Qatar Airways is the national carrier of Qatar and one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. Operating from its hub in Doha, Qatar Airways presently flies to 49 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East. By 2005 it expects to fly to at least 60 destinations.

Qatar Airways operates with a fleet of 31 Airbus aircraft and last year placed a $5.1 billion order with Airbus for an additional 34 aircraft which will allow it to operate a fleet of 52 aircraft by 2008.

For further information

Salam Al Shawa,
Senior Manager Marketing & Communications, Qatar Airways
Tel: 974 - 4496613, Fax: 974 - 4620132
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa