Latest news with #Al-Meer
Reuters
25-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Qatar Airways passengers on diverted flights all put on new flights within 24 hours, CEO says
DUBAI, June 25 (Reuters) - Qatar Airways said on Wednesday that all of the roughly 20,000 passengers who were on flights that were diverted on Monday night after Iran fired missiles towards a U.S. military base in the Gulf country were put on new flights within 24 hours. Iran launched a missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Doha after the U.S. joined Israel's attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, threatening a further escalation in regional tensions before a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced. The attack forced Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain to shut their airspace temporarily while Dubai's two airports in the United Arab Emirates briefly halted operations. The closures created a backlog of thousands of passengers at Doha's Hamad International Airport who queued for hours, facing long delays and flight cancellations. "All passengers from diverted flights — approximately 20,000 in total — were cleared within 24 hours," Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said in an open letter posted on X. "More than 11,000 resumed their journeys during the morning wave on 24 June, with the remainder departing through the evening wave and morning bank on 25 June. As of today, there are no passengers from diverted flights left stranded." Traffic at the airport on Wednesday was regular with minimal delays and no crowds, according to a Reuters witness. Al-Meer said that at the time of the attack, over 90 Qatar Airways flights heading to Doha "were forced to divert immediately" while more than 10,000 passengers were already in transit at Doha's airport. The airline, which carried just over 43 million passengers in the year to the end of March, activated its business continuity plans, increasing capacity to destinations with high volumes of displaced passengers, in response to the turmoil following the attack, he added.
IOL News
18-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Qatar Airways scoops title of world's best airline for record ninth time
Qatar Airways has once again been named the World's Best Airline by the prestigious international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax, retaining the top position for a record-breaking ninth time. Image: Qatar Airways/Facebook Qatar Airways has achieved a remarkable milestone in the aviation industry, being named the World's Best Airline by the esteemed air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. This accolade marks the airline's ninth consecutive win, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence across every aspect of travel. The latest round of awards sees Qatar Airways not only retaining the top position as the World's Best Airline, but also clinching several prestigious titles, including: World's Best Business Class Best Airline in the Middle East Best Business Class Airline Lounge (Al Mourjan Lounge – The Garden at Hamad International Airport) Skytrax Five-Star Airline recognition Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, expressed profound gratitude for this recognition. 'Being named the World's Best Airline by Skytrax for the ninth time is an extraordinary honour. This recognition is far more than an award; it is a celebration of the passion, precision, and purpose that defines who we are as an airline.' Al-Meer continued, 'To retain this title in a highly competitive and ever-evolving global industry reflects the relentless efforts across every part of the business. The passion and commitment of our people continue to set new standards in aviation.' In addition to these accolades, Qatar Airways is proud to be continually recognised as a Skytrax Five-Star Airline, reinforcing its mission to establish new industry benchmarks. Al-Meer emphasised the airline's commitment to providing a seamless and elevated travel experience, stating, 'Whether on the ground or in the air, we strive to deliver a journey that anticipates the needs of our passengers and reflects the highest standards of quality, comfort, and innovation.' Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, congratulated the airline on this extraordinary achievement. 'It is a fabulous achievement for Qatar Airways to win the World's Best Airline title for 2025. Qatar Airways achieved excellent results across many award categories, with their Business Class winning the World's Best Business Class, and their Al Mourjan Garden Lounge named the World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge.' This recognition comes during an already exceptional year for Qatar Airways, as the airline continues to expand its network and innovate its product offerings and services across its global operations. As the national carrier of the State of Qatar, Qatar Airways remains dedicated to redefining passenger experience and earning the trust and loyalty of travellers worldwide. IOL
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
World's best airline for 2025 named by Skytrax
It's been a year of historic milestones for a certain Middle Eastern airline. Just weeks after announcing the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing's history, Qatar Airways is celebrating another huge achievement. The Qatar flag carrier has just been named the winner at this year's Skytrax World Airline Awards, announced on Tuesday at the Paris Air Show. It's the ninth time Qatar Airways has received the honor in the 26-year history of the awards, which are known as the Oscars of the aviation world. 'This recognition is far more than an award, it is a celebration of the passion, precision and purpose that defines who we are as an airline,' said Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO. 'To retain this title in a highly competitive and ever-evolving global industry reflects the relentless efforts across every part of the business, from the frontline to behind the scenes, the passion and commitment of our people continue to set new standards in aviation.' Qatar was also named Best Airline in the Middle East, World's Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Airline Lounge. The awards come after the airline, established in 1993, announced that it was purchasing up to 210 widebody jets, including 130 Dreamliners, and 30 777-9s from Boeing in a historic order last month. 'These accolades reaffirm our ambition not only to lead, but to redefine what exceptional service means in aviation,' added Al-Meer. 'Whether on the ground or in the air, we strive to deliver a seamless, elevated journey that anticipates the needs of our passengers and reflects the highest standards of quality, comfort, and innovation.' Singapore Airlines, a five-time winner of World's Best Airline award, took second place this year, also receiving the award for World's Best Cabin Crew, along with World's Best First Class and the Best Airline in Asia. Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific was third, with Dubai's Emirates airline taking fourth place, and Japan's ANA All Nippon Airways taking fifth. Turkish Airlines was sixth, while seventh place went to South Korea's flag carrier Korean Air and France's flag carrier Air France was eighth. Finally, Japan Airlines took ninth position and China's Hainan Airlines rounded out the top 10. 'We welcomed back a large number of previous winners and were also delighted to see new faces and airlines represented here today,' said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax. 'As is indicated by so many former winning airlines being awarded again, quality consistency is clearly well recognized by customers when they vote for these airlines.' The 'wholly independent and impartial' awards, which began in 1999, saw votes gathered from surveys of around 22.3 million customers, with more than 325 airlines featured this year. Around 500 representatives from airlines around the world attended the gala event in the restored Art Deco terminal of the original Le Bourget Airport, based at the heart of the Paris Air Show, including presidents, CEOs and airline crew. AirAsia was also among the winners, after being named the World's Best Low-Cost Airline, an award the carrier has won year after year since 2010. 'To win the World's Best Low Cost Airline Award for 16 years in a row is nothing short of incredible,' said Tony Fernandes, the airline's CEO and co-founder. 'From flying just 200,000 guests in our first year to aiming to welcome our one billionth guest this year – this journey has been made possible by the unwavering support of our guests, and the tireless dedication of our incredible Allstars.' Virgin Atlantic took the crown for the World's Best Premium Economy Class Airlines 2025, while Thailand's Bangkok Airways was named the World's Best Regional Airline for the ninth year in a row. Low-cost airline IndiGo picked up prizes for Best Airline in India / South Asia, and Best Low-Cost Airline award in the region. And not only did Air Canada win Best Airline in North America, its Toronto Pearson Signature Suite also won the Best Business Class Lounge Dining award. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines was crowned the Best Airline in Africa for the seventh year and Turkish Airlines was named the Best Airline in Europe, as well as World's Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Airline in Southern Europe. Saudi Arabia's flag carrier Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, took the prize for Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East. 'This award reflects the dedication of our incredible frontline team and the trust of our guests,' said Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group. 'While we celebrate this milestone, our journey continues — with bold investments and a clear vision to become one of the world's leading airlines.' 1. Qatar Airways 2. Singapore Airlines 3. Cathay Pacific 4. Emirates 5. ANA All Nippon Airways 6. Turkish Airlines 7. Korean Air 8. Air France 9. Japan Airlines 10. Hainan Airlines 11. Swiss Int'l Air Lines 12. EVA Air 13. British Airways 14. Qantas Airways 15. Lufthansa 16. Virgin Atlantic 17. Saudi Arabian Airlines 18. STARLUX Airlines 19. Air Canada 20. Iberia 1. Singapore Airlines 2. ANA All Nippon Airways 3. Cathay Pacific Airways 4. Garuda Indonesia 5. EVA Air 6. Hainan Airlines 7. Japan Airlines 8. Malaysia Airlines 9. Starlux Airlines 10. Korean Air 1. AirAsia 2. Scoot 3. Indigo 4. Eurowings 5. Vueling Airlines 6. Volotea 7. Transavia 8. Iberia Express 9. Flynas 10. easyJet 1. Bangkok Airways 2. Virgin Australia 3. Porter Airlines 4. Aegean Airlines 5. Azerbaijan Airlines 6. jetBlue Airways 7. Alaska Airlines 8. Hong Kong Airlines 9. RwandAir 10. Royal Air Maroc 1. EVA Air 2. ANA All Nippon Airways 3. Cathay Pacific Airways 4. Qatar Airways 5. Singapore Airlines 6. Hainan Airlines 7. Starlux Airlines 8. Japan Airlines 9. Korean Air 10. China Southern The full list of winners can be found on the Skytrax website
7NEWS
18-06-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Qantas Airways goes up in world airline rankings at ‘Oscars of the aviation' awards
It's been a year of historic milestones for a certain Middle Eastern airline. Just weeks after announcing the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing's history, Qatar Airways is celebrating another huge achievement. The Qatar flag carrier has just been named the winner at this year's Skytrax World Airline Awards, announced on Tuesday at the Paris Air Show. It's the ninth time Qatar Airways has received the honour in the 26-year history of the awards, which are known as the Oscars of the aviation world. 'This recognition is far more than an award, it is a celebration of the passion, precision and purpose that defines who we are as an airline,' said Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO. 'To retain this title in a highly competitive and ever-evolving global industry reflects the relentless efforts across every part of the business, from the frontline to behind the scenes, the passion and commitment of our people continue to set new standards in aviation.' Qatar was also named Best Airline in the Middle East, World's Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Airline Lounge. The awards come after the airline, established in 1993, announced that it was purchasing up to 210 widebody jets, including 130 Dreamliners, and 30 777-9s from Boeing in a historic order last month. 'These accolades reaffirm our ambition not only to lead, but to redefine what exceptional service means in aviation,' added Al-Meer. 'Whether on the ground or in the air, we strive to deliver a seamless, elevated journey that anticipates the needs of our passengers and reflects the highest standards of quality, comfort, and innovation.' Singapore Airlines, a five-time winner of World's Best Airline award, took second place this year, also receiving the award for World's Best Cabin Crew, along with World's Best First Class and the Best Airline in Asia. Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific was third, with Dubai's Emirates airline taking fourth place, and Japan's ANA All Nippon Airways taking fifth. Turkish Airlines was sixth, while seventh place went to South Korea's flag carrier Korean Air and France's flag carrier Air France was eighth. Finally, Japan Airlines took ninth position and China's Hainan Airlines rounded out the top 10. Australia's national carrier, Qantas, was the 14th best airline. 'We welcomed back a large number of previous winners and were also delighted to see new faces and airlines represented here today,' said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax. 'As is indicated by so many former winning airlines being awarded again, quality consistency is clearly well recognized by customers when they vote for these airlines.' The 'wholly independent and impartial' awards, which began in 1999, saw votes gathered from surveys of around 22.3 million customers, with more than 325 airlines featured this year. Around 500 representatives from airlines around the world attended the gala event in the restored Art Deco terminal of the original Le Bourget Airport, based at the heart of the Paris Air Show, including presidents, CEOs and airline crew. AirAsia was also among the winners, after being named the World's Best Low-Cost Airline, an award the carrier has won year after year since 2010. 'To win the World's Best Low-Cost Airline Award for 16 years in a row is nothing short of incredible,' said Tony Fernandes, the airline's CEO and co-founder. 'From flying just 200,000 guests in our first year to aiming to welcome our one billionth guest this year – this journey has been made possible by the unwavering support of our guests, and the tireless dedication of our incredible Allstars.' Virgin Atlantic took the crown for the World's Best Premium Economy Class Airlines 2025, while Thailand's Bangkok Airways was named the World's Best Regional Airline for the ninth year in a row. Low-cost airline IndiGo picked up prizes for Best Airline in India/South Asia, and Best Low-Cost Airline award in the region. And not only did Air Canada win Best Airline in North America, its Toronto Pearson Signature Suite also won the Best Business Class Lounge Dining award. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines was crowned the Best Airline in Africa for the seventh year and Turkish Airlines was named the Best Airline in Europe, as well as World's Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Airline in Southern Europe. Saudi Arabia's flag carrier Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, took the prize for Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East. 'This award reflects the dedication of our incredible frontline team and the trust of our guests,' said Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group. 'While we celebrate this milestone, our journey continues — with bold investments and a clear vision to become one of the world's leading airlines.' The World Top 20 Airlines In 2025 1. Qatar Airways 2. Singapore Airlines 3. Cathay Pacific 4. Emirates 5. ANA All Nippon Airways 6. Turkish Airlines 7. Korean Air 8. Air France 9. Japan Airlines 10. Hainan Airlines 11. Swiss Int'l Air Lines 12. EVA Air 13. British Airways 14. Qantas Airways 15. Lufthansa 16. Virgin Atlantic 17. Saudi Arabian Airlines 18. STARLUX Airlines 19. Air Canada 20. Iberia The World's Best Cabin Crew 2025 1. Singapore Airlines 2. ANA All Nippon Airways 3. Cathay Pacific Airways 4. Garuda Indonesia 5. EVA Air 6. Hainan Airlines 7. Japan Airlines 8. Malaysia Airlines 9. Starlux Airlines 10. Korean Air World's Best Low-Cost Airlines 2025 1. AirAsia 2. Scoot 3. Indigo 4. Eurowings 5. Vueling Airlines 6. Volotea 7. Transavia 8. Iberia Express 9. Flynas 10. easyJet The World's Best Regional Airlines 2025 1. Bangkok Airways 2. Virgin Australia 3. Porter Airlines 4. Aegean Airlines 5. Azerbaijan Airlines 6. jetBlue Airways 7. Alaska Airlines 8. Hong Kong Airlines 9. RwandAir 10. Royal Air Maroc The World's Cleanest Airlines 2025 1. EVA Air 2. ANA All Nippon Airways 3. Cathay Pacific Airways 4. Qatar Airways 5. Singapore Airlines 6. Hainan Airlines 7. Starlux Airlines 8. Japan Airlines 9. Korean Air 10. China Southern
Skift
20-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Qatar Airways CEO: Boeing Win Over Airbus was a ‘Very Close Call'
Al-Meer's comments herald a bold new chapter anchored around U.S.-built aircraft, but they're also a reaffirmation of Qatar Airways' pragmatic and often opportunistic fleet strategy. The chief executive of Qatar Airways has shared new insight into the decision-making process behind last week's enormous aircraft order. On May 14, the airline signed a historic deal with Boeing for up to 210 widebody planes. The contract, first announced by the White House during a visit to Doha by President Trump, is one of the largest orders of its type in Boeing's history. Speaking to CNN, Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer described the decision to select the U.S. manufacturer over its European rival as 'a very, very, very, close call.' Al-Meer said the procurement work for the new aircraft started in early 2024. He highlighted that both companies, plus their associated engine-makers, were in contention until the final stages. 'We started the process almost a year and a half ago when we decided to create a competition through this RFP [request for proposal] between both aircraft manufacturers – Airbus and Boeing – as well as both engine suppliers, GE and Rolls-Royce,' said the Qatar Airways CEO. Despite Boeing ultimately winning the order, Al-Meer suggested that Ai
