For the fifth time in succession, Qatar Airways has been named the World’s Best Airline at this year’s Skytrax World Airline Awards. The airline also carted away three other awards. The highest accolade of ‘World’s Best Airline’ makes it the fifth time Qatar Airways will be receiving the award, becoming the only airline in the competition’s history to win it five times (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2019).

The airline has been named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ for a third successive year, while its ‘World’s Best Business Class’ accolade is the fourth year in succession that it has won that award. In retaining its ‘World’s Best Business Class Seat’ award for its patented Qsuite product, the airline beat strong competition from all over the world.

Minister of Transport and Communications, His Excellency Mr. Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, who attended the Skytrax Awards ceremony, said: “This is a great day for the state of Qatar, and I am delighted to have been here today to witness Qatar Airways being recognised as the ‘Best Airline of the Year’ for the fifth time”.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, – who was accompanied by Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, Engr. Badr Al Meer, – said: “The Skytrax awards are widely recognised as the most prestigious in the airline industry, so to have won so many prizes at the 2019 ceremony is a truly memorable experience for Qatar Airways.

“We are thrilled to be globally recognised by our customers by winning these four prestigious awards. Being the first airline to be named ‘Airline of the Year’ for the fifth time is a landmark achievement and, combined with three other major Skytrax awards, is testament to the tireless efforts of the entire Qatar Airways team. It is a proud moment for the airline as our constant innovation and service standards set the benchmark in our industry.”

“The fact that the Skytrax awards are voted for by travellers makes them especially meaningful for all of us in the industry. Aviation is a competitive business, and to have received such recognition will spur us all at Qatar Airways to even greater heights and we look forward to delivering our world-class product to millions of passengers in the coming years.”

Commenting on the awards, Skytrax Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Edward Plaisted, said: “To be named as the World’s Best Airline is a great recognition of Qatar Airways’ high standards, and recognises the hard work and dedication from every member of staff to satisfy customers. To achieve this accolade for a fifth time is a remarkable achievement, and we congratulate them for this unique success.”