‘Our priority is largely on safety, hygiene, and sustainability’
As the largest airline flying consistently throughout the pandemic, Qatar Airways accumulated unrivalled experience in how to carry passengers safely and reliably during these uncertain times. As they take on the New Year with optimism, they aim to continue enhancing and amplifying their existing offerings while introducing new ones, to cater to the ever-evolving needs of their passengers. Karthik Viswanathan, Regional Manager, Indian Subcontinent, Qatar Airways shares that despite the economic impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry, Qatar Airways continued to invest in its products and services to ensure that its customer experience remains unparalleled and the best in the world.
Qatar Airways was able to continue flying throughout the pandemic thanks to its varied fleet of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that allowed it to offer the right passenger and cargo capacity in each market as its operations were not dependent on any specific aircraft type. The airline’s fleet of 53 Airbus A350 and 30 Boeing 787 are the ideal choices for the most strategically important longhaul routes to Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions. In the last few months of 2020, Qatar Airways took delivery of four Airbus A350-1000s, reaffirming its position as the largest operator of Airbus A350 aircraft with an average age of 2.7 years. All were fitted with the airline’s multi-award-winning Business Class seat, Qsuite.
“Indeed, the pandemic has been challenging but we are optimistic that travel will steadily return, limited by entry restrictions rather than customers’ confidence. While the pandemic has tremendously affected the aviation sector with a unique set of challenges resulting from a more restrictive travel environment and subdued demand. But with the promising developments such as the vaccine rolling out across the world, I am very hopeful that global commercial travel will resume soon, and the aviation sector will function the same way as before,” assures Karthik.
On board, the airline has continued to deliver its full dining experience, comfort amenities and award-winning service, with enhanced safety measures. In Business Class, the airline’s Dine-onDemand service is now presented fully covered on a tray with our beverage selection. In Economy Class, Qatar Airways’ full dining experience ‘Quisine’ is available, with food and cutlery served completely sealed as usual on a tray.
Qatar Airways will be the first airline in the Middle East to begin testing the innovative new IATA Travel Pass ‘Digital Passport’ mobile app, in partnership with IATA, from March 2021. The trial will play an important role in the airline’s vision to have a more contactless, secure, and seamless travel experience for its passengers. On this, Kartik says, “With innovation and technology, we not only plan to enhance the customer experience but also ensure optimum safety levels. Qatar Airways currently operates more than 800 weekly flights to over 120 destinations across the globe. By the end of March 2021, Qatar Airways plans to rebuild its network to 130 destinations. Many cities will be served with a strong schedule with daily or more frequencies.”
Qatar Airways currently operates more than 800 weekly flights to over 120 destinations across the globe. By the end of March 2021, Qatar Airways plans to rebuild its network to 130 destinations. Qatar Airways Cargo is adding additional flights using passenger aircraft to carry freight to meet the global demand for cargo, especially medical supplies. In the past few months, the airline has transported over 250,000 tonnes of medical and aid supplies to impacted regions around the globe.
“Qatar Airways’ commitment towards consumers continues to make travel experience better, seamless, and safe. For the same, we have been taking various initiatives to ensure we meet the customer expectations while also keeping the business steady. That said, our priority is largely on safety and hygiene, and sustainability. It makes absolute sense to especially prioritise investments in the field of digital innovations that will aid in the safety of our passengers both on board and on the ground,” explains Karthik.
The airline has successfully managed to navigate the operations without disruption during challenging times. Qatar Airways has also become the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by international air transport rating organisation.
Karthik feels besides implementing strategies to survive, airlines should work closely with governments around the world to resume commercial flights in line with entry restrictions. Also, Governments need to work with international bodies such as IATA and ICAO to establish and formalise regulatory guidelines so that airlines can operate with certainty and stay focused on the business of flying.