The entire aviation industry had a disastrous year in 2020 and 2021, with passenger demand plummeting and countries around the world experiencing lockdowns and severe travel restrictions. Despite that, one airline continued to dominate without compromising on the service and excellence that the airline is renowned for throughout the world — that’s Qatar Airways.
For its efforts, Qatar Airways has been voted ‘Airline of the Year’ by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax, on top of securing five additional awards including World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge, World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat, World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Airline in the Middle East.
The airline has now won the primary prize for an unprecedented sixth time, cementing its position at the top of the industry (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, and now 2021).
The 2021 Skytrax awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Aviation Industry’, spanned the period from September 2019 to July 2021, with the results reflecting a combination of typical travel hours and travel during the pandemic. The extended period highlighted Qatar Airways’ strength and flexibility, as it not only continued to provide excellent service during normal times, but also stubbornly continued flights and provided a lifeline to its passengers throughout the world during the most difficult of times.
In January 2021, Qatar Airways became the first worldwide airline to obtain the Skytrax COVID-19 Safety Rating, and in August, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ home and hub, was named the World’s Best Airport 2021.
The airline was also honoured for its opulent Al Mourjan Lounge, a tranquil haven for travellers that was named the World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge. Meanwhile, the unique Qsuite has been crowned the World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat for the fifth year in a row, and the premium cabin has been recognised World’s Best Business Class for the fifth year in a row.
Qatar Airways won the World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering award, a fitting homage to the continual growth and upgrading of the food and beverage service on board. Finally, Qatar Airways was named Best Airline in the Middle East, highlighting passengers’ preference for the airline in the region due to its exceptional quality, global network, consistent reliability, and flexibility, with every passenger journey taking place at Hamad International Airport, the region’s only Skytrax five-star airport.
During the pandemic, Qatar Airways has placed an even greater emphasis on passenger experience and biosafety to improve service standards and provide reassurance to passengers. The introduction of a new Business Class Suite on the Boeing 787-9 fleet, UV cleaning between flights, and touch-free in-flight entertainment technology demonstrated the airline’s commitment to going above and beyond at every opportunity, while industry-leading flexible rebooking options demonstrated the airline’s commitment to going above and beyond at every opportunity.
You can find the full 2021 World Airline Awards results at the A-Z Award Winners page.
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