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Dave

London Gatwick firefighters tackle 110 floors to support vital local charities

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Firefighters from the London Gatwick Airport Fire and Rescue Service successfully completed a challenging stair climb event, raising £2,000 for the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and the Fire Fighters Charity.

This inspiring initiative saw participants simulate the ascent of 110 floors in a high-rise building by climbing the central staircase in Gatwick’s South Terminal departure lounge, all while carrying a hefty 23kg of full firefighting gear, including breathing apparatus.

As the firefighters ascended and descended, passengers at the airport had the opportunity to learn more about the charities’ vital work and the impact of the funds raised.

Donations are still being accepted through the official fundraising page, underscoring the community’s ongoing support for these essential services.

Melanie Wrightson, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at London Gatwick, expressed pride in the firefighters’ achievement:

We are incredibly proud of our firefighters for completing such a demanding challenge in support of these two remarkable charities. Both KSS and the Fire Fighters Charity provide vital, life-saving services to our community, and the funds raised will help ensure they can continue their invaluable work.

KSS, one of Gatwick’s official charity partners, operates helicopters that respond to over 3,300 emergencies annually across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.

The Fire Fighters Charity supports both active and retired fire service personnel and their families, offering face-to-face assistance at its three centres, including one in Littlehampton.

In addition to the remarkable efforts of the firefighters, Gatwick Airport has demonstrated its commitment to local communities by making a total of £250,000 available for worthy causes through the Gatwick Airport Community Trust this year. Furthermore, the London Gatwick Foundation Fund is set to distribute an additional £100,000 in its third round of grant funding in November, bringing the total available funding for 2024 to an impressive £300,000.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the significance of such initiatives for UK-based business travellers, stating,

Supporting local charities not only strengthens community ties but also highlights the importance of corporate responsibility. Business travellers can take pride in knowing that their travels contribute to positive social impact.

For information about flights from London’s second airport, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Heroic London Gatwick staff save passenger’s life with swift CPR response

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A team of dedicated staff at London Gatwick were recently thanked by a passenger for saving his life after he went into cardiac arrest at the airport.

Passenger Eddie Barnes was travelling through London Gatwick’s North Terminal security area on 24 October at 4:20 am, bound for Spain, when he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest.

In a swift and coordinated effort, a total of twelve staff from security, passenger operations, and the London Gatwick Fire Service responded immediately, administering life-saving CPR for more than 15 minutes and using a defibrillator to restart his heart before he was transported to hospital by ambulance.

Eddie has since made a full recovery and recently reunited with the team who saved his life to express his gratitude. He was given a tour of the airport’s airside fire station and had the opportunity to personally thank those involved.

Eddie Barnes shared his experience:

The cardiac arrest that I suffered must be the most profound experience for myself and those close to me and yet had the team at London Gatwick not successfully applied CPR, I would never have known a thing about it.

I had absolutely no warning when it happened, I simply dropped dead.

I am told that for more than 15 minutes CPR was applied in the course of which I received 16 broken ribs and the paddles were applied five times (and once more in the ambulance).

The heart surgeon informed me the number of ribs broken bears testimony to how well the CPR was applied.

It is hard work applying CPR and I will be eternally grateful to the team for not giving up.

Strangely the experience has not left me with any psychological hang-ups. By the time I knew what had happened it was too late to worry and I have every confidence that the team at St Thomas’s who supported me after I left Gatwick have dealt with the problem to prevent a recurrence.

All passenger operations staff at London Gatwick are provided with first aid training, including CPR, while firefighters from the on-site fire service are trained as advanced immediate emergency care responders, able to provide a higher level of medical care. The importance of this training is underscored by the 2,832 first aid calls the Passenger Operations Support team responded to last year, ranging from cardiac arrests to managing queues.

Scott Ronaldson, one of the first responders, reflected on the incident:

At the time Przemyslaw and I were close to finishing a night shift and were doing our usual lap to make sure everything was running smoothly. It was when we were talking to security we noticed screens being pulled across.

When we got to Eddie we noticed he wasn’t breathing. I tore his shirt off and commenced CPR with my colleague Przemyslaw until the rest of our team came with a defibrillator.

I have had a few instances where CPR is required and every time, I know I can rely on our amazing team to drop everything and come running to support. Thanks to the training we receive from the London Gatwick Fire Service we are well prepared for these circumstances and feel comfortable even in the worst cases.

Przemyslaw Karpicki also shared his experience:

Just as our night shift was ending, I was with Scott when we saw a passenger collapse. We didn’t hesitate, we ran straight to him. Security called us to respond, but by then, we were already there, ready to help.

Scott started CPR immediately since Eddie wasn’t breathing. Moments later, two more of our colleagues joined us with a defibrillator. Our training from the London Gatwick Fire Service kicked in, and they arrived shortly after to provide the next level of care. I knew I was surrounded by my colleagues from the passenger operations team and could rely on them completely.

At that moment, during CPR, I wasn’t thinking about my feelings, I was focused entirely on helping Eddie. But when I got home at the end of my shift, the reality hit me. Together with my colleagues, we did something incredible. We gave someone a chance to live, and that feels incredibly special.”

Life saved: (L-R) Przemyslaw Karpicki, Holly-May Parrish (passenger operations), Eddie Barnes and Scott Ronaldson

For further information about flights from Gatwick, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Norse Atlantic Airways introduces flights from Gatwick to Los Angeles and San Francisco

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Norse Atlantic Airways, the pioneering low-cost long-haul airline, has announced the launch of its services to Los Angeles and San Francisco from London Gatwick.

The new direct routes mark the fifth and sixth destinations to the US from Norse Atlantic’s London base, solidifying its position as the largest long haul operator to the US from London Gatwick.

Bjørn Tore Larsen: proud to offer an affordable and convenient way to explore these two iconic cities

Travellers now have affordable and convenient options to explore the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco from the United Kingdom.

With fares starting from £460 return, including taxes and fees, passengers can embark on their West Coast adventures without breaking the bank.

Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO Norse Atlantic Airways said,

Los Angeles and San Francisco have now become the fifth and sixth destinations to the US from our London base.

With the addition of these two destinations Norse Atlantic is now the largest long haul operator to the US from London Gatwick.

We are proud to offer an affordable and convenient way to explore these two iconic cities and experience the renowned sights and cultural landmarks that make each destination unique.

From the picturesque beauty of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and the bustling streets of Fisherman’s Wharf to the magic of Hollywood and the famous Santa Monica Beach, these two destinations have something for everyone.

Flights to Los Angeles from London Gatwick operate daily, with departure at 10:35 and arrival at 14:10 on the same day. Return flights from Los Angeles depart at 14:25 and arrive at 11:00 the following day. Economy fares start from £460 return, including all taxes and fees.

For travellers heading to San Francisco, flights from London Gatwick operate three times a week. Departure is at 10:10, with arrival at 13:25 on the same day. Return flights from San Francisco depart at 15:25 and arrive at 09:50 the following day. Economy fares start from £455 return, including all taxes and fees.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Norse Atlantic exclusively operates the Dreamliner

Norse Atlantic exclusively operates modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers.

Each seat is equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment, allowing travellers to relax and unwind during their journey. In addition, Norse Atlantic offers two cabin choices: Economy and Norse Premium. The Norse Premium cabin boasts an industry-leading 43″ seat pitch and 12″ recline, ensuring passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

Passengers can select from a range of fare options, including Light, Classic, and Flextra, which cater to their individual travel preferences and needs. Light fares represent Norse’s value option, while Flextra fares offer additional benefits such as increased baggage allowance, two meal services, an enhanced airport and onboard experience, and greater ticket flexibility.

With the launch of these new routes, Norse Atlantic Airways continues to redefine long-haul travel by providing UK-based business travellers with affordable and convenient connections to key US destinations. Whether it’s for business or leisure, the airline offers an enticing gateway to the bustling cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Book your tickets today and embark on a memorable journey with Norse Atlantic Airways.

Norse Atlantic Airways is a pioneering low-cost long-haul airline based in London Gatwick. With a focus on providing affordable and convenient travel options, Norse Atlantic operates modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for passengers. The airline offers two cabin choices, Economy and Norse Premium, and a range of fare options to cater to travellers’ preferences.

Dave

London Gatwick Airport unveils new brand identity and vision

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London Gatwick has unveiled its new brand identity and refreshed vision, reflecting its strong ongoing recovery from the pandemic, providing a platform for the airport’s next phase of growth and supporting significant economic opportunities for the region.

Acknowledging the airport’s proud history, the new, modernised brand is designed to reaffirm and showcase London Gatwick’s position as a major international gateway. It also recognises the airport as part of the broader VINCI Airports network.

Gatwick rebrand: launch aligns with significant investment in improvements across the airport



The vision – To be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey – focuses on delivering a personalised experience to meet passengers’ individual needs.

Underpinning the vision is a strengthened focus and investment on simplifying the journey through the airport by focusing on ease, efficiency and experience. This will allow passengers more time to shop, have a drink, or finish some last-minute work calls or emails.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said,

This is a perfect time for us to launch our new brand and refreshed vision, as we head into our second year of recovery from the global pandemic and look to embark on a very promising chapter of growth.

We are taking a multi-dimensional approach, combining investment in airport development, along with a new visual identity, to rejuvenate the image of London Gatwick.

We expect this will translate to more people choosing to fly from the airport, with even more exciting destinations for passengers.

Our previous brand served us well for over ten years, but it’s now the right time to modernise and update our airport.

As we look ahead to future growth, our refreshed brand celebrates the past and brings us into the future.

Accompanying the new brand and vision is an exciting multi-million pound development programme.

Social: new branding appears across Gatwick’s digital channels

This significant programme of investment includes the expansion and refurbishment of departure lounges to create more modern, appealing spaces for passengers, while at the same time considering the airport’s sustainability goals.

It will also focus on accelerating automation in cutting-edge improvements across check-in and boarding, as well as enhanced airfield technology. A multi-million-pound upgrade of Gatwick Airport railway station is also on-track for completion later this year.

The new branding can already be seen across many of Gatwick’s digital and social channels, as well as key focal points within the airport. Over the coming months passengers, airport partners and colleagues will see it come to life across the airport.

Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport and is a vital piece of national infrastructure that helps drive both the regional and national economy.

More than 40 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 45 long-haul destinations. The airport is focused on rebuilding and growing sustainably in the long term. It has ambitious plans to be a net zero airport by 2030 and increase capacity by bringing its Northern runway into routine use.

VINCI Airports owns a 50.01% stake in the airport, with Global Infrastructure Partners managing the remaining 49.99% interest. The world’s leading private airport operator, VINCI Airports operates more than 65 airports in twelve countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Thanks to its expertise as a global integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds and manages airports by providing its investment capacity and its know-how in optimising operational performance, modernizing infrastructures and managing their operations and environmental transition.

VINCI Airports is the first airport operator to have committed to a global international environmental strategy in 2016, to achieve the goal of net zero emission across its entire network by 2050.

Dave

BA Euroflyer expands in-flight options for UK business travellers with new menus and new destinations

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British Airways’ Gatwick-based short-haul subsidiary, BA Euroflyer, has expanded its in-flight options for customers, with new menus and fresh food available to purchase on-board, alongside the introduction of new destinations.

BA Euroflyer, British Airways’ Gatwick-based short-haul subsidiary, has announced exciting new changes to its in-flight experience for UK-based business travellers.

Working with its retail partner, Tourvest, the airline has expanded its onboard options, introducing new menus and fresh food for customers to purchase during their flight.

Previously, customers were only able to pre-order fresh food or buy ambient snacks during their journey. But now, they can purchase a range of fresh options on-board, including Sweet & Spicy Falafel wraps and Tom Kerridge Chicken Coronation sandwiches. These can be paired with Jimmy’s Iced Coffee or Punchy soft drinks, available to purchase on-board without pre-ordering. The full Speedbird Café menu can be viewed here.

BA Euroflyer: a wholly owned subsidiary of British Airways

For customers travelling in Club Europe, British Airways offers complimentary drinks and a full meal service as part of their ticket. The airline has launched new seasonal menus for lunch or dinner, featuring dishes such as lemon pepper roasted chicken salad, wild mushroom risotto, and chickpea and curried coconut salad. First thing in the morning, customers can enjoy a traditional English breakfast, cheese omelette, or a charcuterie board. Afternoon tea is also available, with a variety of finger sandwiches and sweet treats.

BA Euroflyer is also expanding its fresh food options on longer short-haul flights from Heathrow. From the end of April, customers on flights over three hours will be able to purchase fresh produce during their flight, in addition to the current pre-purchase fresh food option. The airline plans to roll this out across the short-haul network, with other selected routes to follow in the coming months.

Tom Stoddart, Chief Executive Officer of BA Euroflyer and Cityflyer, said,

We know that some customers want to order items in the moment, so we are delighted to give Euro Traveller customers the option to not only to pre-purchase, but to also order fresh food during the flight.

For those travelling in Club Europe, we have a number of delicious complimentary dishes and drinks for them to select from. We want to set ourselves apart from other carriers at Gatwick.

We are the only airline to offer a business class product on every flight and a loyalty programme, coupled with our competitive fares, we have something to suit all.

In addition to these in-flight changes, BA Euroflyer has recently added Sharm El Sheikh to its growing network. The service will operate three times per week from 3 November throughout the winter season, with a fourth service on Saturdays until 15 December 2023. Executive Club Members can enjoy 100% of seats available on the inaugural Avios-Only flight. BA Euroflyer is also adding a brand new service to Montpellier in France from 27 May, operating three times weekly.

These changes and additions to BA Euroflyer’s offering are sure to appeal to UK-based business travellers looking for a convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experience.

With fresh food options, seasonal menus, and new destinations, BA Euroflyer is continuing to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of its customers.


Dave

London Gatwick serves 32.8 million passengers in 2022, up from 6.3 million in 2021

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Annual traffic results published by VINCI Airports show that London Gatwick Airport served 32.8 million passengers in 2022, which represents 71% of 2019 numbers.  This follows the airport welcoming only 6.3 million passengers in 2021.

Gatwick Airport’s strong recovery is further evidenced by its increased long-haul connectivity, with the airport now serving 42 global routes – 68% of the number flown pre-pandemic.

The airport’s long-haul network was recently boosted by an announcement Air India will fly to four new destinations – Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar and Kochi (Cochin).

Delta Air Lines also returns to Gatwick, flying the airport’s fourth daily flight to New York, while British Airways will operate new routes to Vancouver, Georgetown and Las Vegas this summer, in addition to their services to the Caribbean, North and Central America, the Middle East and Mauritius.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick Airport said:

Today’s figures are extremely positive and clearly show London Gatwick’s continued strong recovery. We still have some way to go but we’re looking forward to welcoming even more passengers this year, including those flying to our growing choice of long-haul destinations.

There were 213,952 total aircraft movements at London Gatwick in 2022, which is 76% of the number in 2019 (281,000).  52,000 aircraft arrived or departed the airport in 2021.

Dave

London Gatwick Airport welcomes Air India with four new long-haul routes

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London Gatwick, part of VINCI Airports’ network, is set to welcome its latest new airline this summer, with Air India announcing four new routes to Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar and Kochi (Cochin), starting from 26 March.

These new routes strengthen established, strong community links between the UK – particularly London – and India. 

The Indian flag carrier will be operating 12 flights a week between London and the four Indian destinations on 787-8 aircraft, with 256 seats across business and economy classes. These include:

  • Three flights a week to Goa, on the western coast of India, famed for its beaches and Portuguese heritage
  • Three flights a week to Ahmedabad, in western India, and the largest city in the state of Gujarat
  • Three weekly flights to Amritsar, the second largest city in the state of Punjab in north-western India
  • Three flights a week to Kochi (Cochin), a major port city on the south-western coast, known as the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala

Tickets for these new flights are now on sale.

These new services reflect VINCI Airports’ commitment to serve communities and sustain business growth by developing air connectivity. They also highlight Gatwick’s competitiveness to attract vital new routes.

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, Gatwick Airport said:

The arrival of Air India and its four routes to London Gatwick is fantastic news for the airport and passengers across London and the south-east.

India not only offers wonderful cities and beach destinations to explore but provides a wealth of opportunities for businesses and wider connectivity. These connections are also hugely important to our local and regional communities, with people looking to visit family and friends across India.

Dave

British Airways further expands its US network

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British Airways is ramping up its US route network this summer, taking its direct US routes to London to 26. 

BA 267: Portland, Oregon International Airport welcomes British Airways and the only direct route between London (Heathrow) and Oregon.

Portland, Oregon has become the newest destination on the British Airways route map, providing the city’s only direct route to the UK.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Networks and Alliances said: 

This summer British Airways will be flying from 26 US cities to London and we’re very excited to be adding Portland to our list of transatlantic destinations. Not only are we the only airline to offer direct flights from Portland to London, but this new route also opens a wide variety of connections for our customers. Through Alaska Airlines, our oneworld partner, British Airways will offer codeshare connections to several destinations operated by Alaska Airlines from Portland.

British Airways has also relaunched its direct route from Pittsburgh to London.  It remains the only airline to offer a direct flight from the Pennsylvanian city to London.

The airline will resume a year-round four-per-week service – Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

On 6 June, the airline launched a new, daytime flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to London Heathrow – its third daily flight from Newark to London, to support the return of business travel.

The daytime flight will depart at 7.55am from Newark – a convenient option for travellers wishing to spend an extra night in the New York area before departing, or for those who wish to arrive just in time for an evening in London. 

With this additional flight time, British Airways along with its joint business partner, American Airlines will offer ‘the most extensive network from the New York area to London’ with fifteen daily departures this summer, including eleven daily flights from JFK to Heathrow and one daily flight from JFK to Gatwick.

This summer also marks the return of daily direct flights from San Jose, California, to London on 13 June; and the return of A380 aircraft to more North American airports.

Chicago and Vancouver were the latest cities to welcome home the Airbus.

Meanwhile, Dallas Fort Worth is preparing to welcome the A380 for the first time on 1 July. 

The aircraft, which is British Airways’ and the airline industry’s largest, offers a choice of First, Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller cabins and has a total of 469 seats. 

There are twelve A380s in the British Airways fleet. Image shows a British Airways Airbus flying over the cliffs at Dover, taken by Wing Commander Neil Frazer from the backseat of Red 10, one of the Red Arrows jets flown by Squadron Leader Mike Ling.
Dave

British Airways returns to short-haul European flying from Gatwick

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After two years British Airways returned to international short-haul flying from Gatwick Airport when its first service departed for Larnaca at 6:25am on 29 March.

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic the airline suspended its European operation at Gatwick Airport, moving a number of flights over to Heathrow.

The restart marks a milestone in the airline’s recovery as it finally returns to international short-haul flying from the airport.

Initially services operate under the British Airways Air Operators Certificate, before moving operations to a new British Airways branded subsidiary, BA Euroflyer later in the year. The new airline will operate in a similar manner to the company’s existing subsidiary BA Cityflyer, flying under the British Airways brand and delivering a premium British Airways product.

British Airways crew at London’s Gatwick airport

On the first day of operation, British Airways operated four short-haul flights to Larnaca, Amsterdam, Paphos and Tenerife. In total, customers will have the choice of 35 destinations to fly to from Gatwick, before more destinations are added later this year.

Not only has the British Airways return to Gatwick created more choice for customers, but also helped create jobs as the airline undertook both a cabin crew and pilot recruitment campaign to fill positions at its new subsidiary.

Tom Stoddart, Acting CEO British Airways Euroflyer, said

Today marks a significant milestone for British Airways as we operate our first European services from Gatwick in two years.

I am really proud of what we have created at Gatwick, we have an excellent team with lots of new and exciting talent. I am looking forward in anticipation to see our newest subsidiary grow, adding new routes and providing customers with more options to get away on holiday with a premium British Airways service.”

Millar Smith, British Airways Euroflyer Crew member, said:

I was over the moon when I found out that I had been accepted as crew for British Airways, it is my dream job! Before this I worked as a 999 handler for the London Ambulance Service, which has been incredibly useful throughout my training with the airline. British Airways is a premium British airline and that is what excited me about the job role. My first service will be to Tenerife and I can’t wait!

Customers flying on the airline’s new subsidiary will receive the same high level of service they expect of British Airways as well as enjoying the benefits of travelling with the UK’s flag carrier including a generous baggage allowance, free water and snacks, free seat selection at -24 hours and frequent flyer benefits which include lounge access.

All of the airline’s services will have a Club Europe (business class) cabin setting it apart from its no frills competitors. Customers flying in this cabin will have access to a premium check-in experience, exclusive lounges and a complimentary gourmet meal and bar service on board.

Customers in the airline’s Euro Traveller (economy) cabin will be able to purchase food before travel which will include fresh options from Tom Kerridge as part of the airline’s ‘Speedbird Café’ menu and/or order ambient products and drinks onboard via their mobile phone.

The return of European short-haul flying from Gatwick came a day after the airline returned to its home at Gatwick South Terminal following its reopening.

To mark the occasion the airline also showed off its new dedicated World Traveller Plus check-in zone which is available for customers flying on a long-haul service with the airline.

The new zone which sits alongside the airline’s Club World desks gives those travelling in its World Traveller Plus cabin (premium economy) an exclusive check-in experience.

They will shortly be rolled out at Heathrow, followed by the rest of the British Airways network.

Dave

Qatar Airways to resume flights to London Gatwick

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Qatar Airways is to resume flights to London Gatwick Airport from 5 June, 2022.

The airline will operate a daily service from Gatwick to Doha using a state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class.

The resumption of the London Gatwick service complements recently launched flights to Doha from Gatwick by Qatar Airways’ Joint Business partner British Airways, meaning the airlines can now jointly offer more options between London and Doha and beyond, earning Avios frequent flyer points as they go.

UK customers will now have access to four gateways including five-times daily services from London Heathrow, 18-times weekly from Manchester and four-times weekly from Edinburgh rising to daily from 2 June.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said:

Our commitment to the UK market has been unwavering and we operated continuously and reliably throughout the pandemic, so I am pleased we can resume our popular service to London Gatwick. We offer excellent connectivity to and from the UK, providing travellers with more choice and convenience. This year is very special for us, not least as it is the 25th anniversary of the start of our flights to London Heathrow in March 1997.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘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 continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).

Flights from the UK

London Gatwick – Twice daily (one daily Qatar Airways’ flight, one daily British Airways’ flight)

London Heathrow – Five times daily

Manchester – 18 flights a week

Edinburgh – Four flights a week, rising to daily from 2 June, 2022