Male’, Maldives – The international airline Qatar Airways has won AirlineRatings ‘Airline of the Year’ award for 2021.
The AirlineRatings ‘Airline of the Year’ award acknowledges the best in aviation, with a focus on product innovation, good route network and overall safety. All AirlineRatings awards are given based on strict assessment criteria put together by industry professionals with extensive expertise and experience in the aviation field.
AirlineRatings on Tuesday released its annual list of top 20 airlines in the world, where Qatar Airways beat Air New Zealand to become the world’s best carrier at a time when the aviation industry is badly hit by the pandemic. AirlineRatings applauded Qatar Airways for its “dedication and commitment to continue to operate” throughout the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Upon receiving the award, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker noted that the aviation industry has witnessed some of its darkest days over the past 16 months, however, stated that despite the difficulties, Qatar Airways continued to operate and stand with their passengers although many airlines had to halt their operations due the pandemic.
Our commitment is to provide the highest possible level of health and safety standards both on the ground and in the air, with 5-star service at the core of our business.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker
The Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AirlineRatings mentioned that Qatar Airways has been the gold standard for years and stated that the airline keeps getting better with new passenger innovations and new state-of-the-art aircraft models.
“Qatar Airways was there to reopen the Maldives borders and restart tourism. The touchdown of Qatar Airways flight QR672 from Doha to Male on 15th July 2020, with 129 passengers was a new beginning for the airline as well as the Maldives. Since then the presence and frequency of flights has been increasing. Being amongst the top three passenger carriers to the Maldives, we appreciate the support and engagement of Qatar Airways in the Maldives tourism recovery, ” said the Maldives Tourism Minister Abdulla Mausoom.
On July 15, Qatar Airways and Visit Maldives agreed on a strategic partnership to further grow international tourism to the tropical island getaway. The strategic partnership will see the two parties collaborate on marketing activities in several markets around the world to further grow international visitor numbers to the Maldives, maximizing the opportunities provided by Qatar Airways’ extensive global network of over 140 destinations.
Managing Director of Visit Maldives, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed expressed gratitude towards Qatar Airways for increasing flights to the Maldives, adding that it indicates Qatar Airways’ continued trust and support in the future of Maldivian tourism.
The increase in flight frequency from Qatar Airways gives confidence to travellers across the world that Maldives is one of the safest destinations to travel to during this time.
Managing Director of Visit Maldives, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed
Qatar Airways has also won the Best Middle East Airline award, Best Catering award, and the Best Business Class award this year. This marks the third year in a row Qatar Airways has achieved the Best Business Class accolade, recognising its patented Qsuite product.
