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Dave

Qatar Airways and Qatar Executive lead the way in inflight connectivity with Starlink

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Qatar Airways and Qatar Executive are both leading the way in providing exceptional inflight connectivity with the rollout of Starlink technology across their fleets. Qatar Airways has surpassed its target for 2024 by equipping fifteen Boeing 777 aircraft with Starlink, offering passengers high-speed internet access of up to 350 megabits per second. Meanwhile, Qatar Executive, the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways, has announced the integration of Starlink on its Gulfstream G650ER fleet, further enhancing the travel experience for its discerning clients.

This dual rollout is a significant milestone for both Qatar Airways and Qatar Executive, marking a new era of seamless connectivity in the skies. Business travellers will benefit greatly from the ability to stay connected throughout their journey. With Starlink on board, passengers can stream content, hold video conferences, and work uninterrupted while cruising at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet.

For UK-based professionals who frequently travel for business, this means staying productive and engaged, regardless of location.

Qatar Airways has now equipped fifteen of its Boeing 777 aircraft with Starlink, far surpassing its initial goal of twelve by the end of 2024.

This fleet enhancement positions the airline as the largest global carrier offering complimentary Starlink on board, providing passengers with a consistent and reliable connection during their flights. With Starlink, passengers can enjoy a superior inflight experience, whether they are working, streaming entertainment, or simply staying connected with friends and family.

Similarly, Qatar Executive’s decision to equip its Gulfstream G650ER fleet with Starlink will offer passengers on private jet charters an unparalleled inflight experience. From 14 December 2024, the first Starlink-equipped Gulfstream G650ER will begin operating, providing high-speed internet for business travellers who expect the best in luxury and connectivity.

High speed: Starlink at 45,000 feet, aboard a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER

By May 2025, Starlink will be installed across the first five aircraft in the fleet, with plans to expand this to the entire Gulfstream fleet over the next eighteen months.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented:

The introduction of Starlink on both Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777s and Qatar Executive’s Gulfstream G650ER fleet is a groundbreaking development for business travellers. As the demand for seamless connectivity continues to rise, these innovations will ensure that passengers can remain productive and connected, whether flying long-haul on a commercial flight or enjoying the privacy and luxury of a private jet.

Qatar Airways and Qatar Executive’s integration of Starlink technology underscores their commitment to delivering world-class service and cutting-edge technology for their passengers. The ability to access high-speed internet during flight allows business travellers to stay ahead of the curve, meeting deadlines and maintaining communication from anywhere in the world.

To find out how these advancements in inflight connectivity can enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Qatar Airways Unveils Platinum, Gold and Silver Lounges for Privilege Club Members and oneworld Partners

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Qatar Airways has unveiled Platinum, Gold and Silver lounges at its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), inviting Privilege Club loyalty members and oneworld alliance card holders to access the dedicated lounge corresponding to their frequent flyer tier status when transiting through Doha.

The state-of-the-art lounge facilities, with stunning runway views, will provide a peaceful haven to Qatar Airways Platinum, Gold and Silver loyalty members, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire card holders.

The brand new facilities will offer new spaces where passengers can rest, unwind and enjoy some of Qatar Airways’ renowned amenity products from Diptyque, and indulge in international cuisine and a wide beverage selection.

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

It is my pleasure to announce the opening of three premium frequent flyer programme lounges at Hamad International Airport.

Our latest Platinum, Gold and Silver lounges demonstrate the airline’s commitment to rewarding Privilege Club and oneworld alliance members with coveted benefits that befit the service quality Qatar Airways is synonymous for.

We look forward to welcoming passengers to experience our sophisticated, modern and spacious lounges when transiting through the World’s Best Airport.

Qatar Airways Platinum, Gold and Silver Lounges offer an ideal space for relaxation or socialising with family and friends.

Passengers can extend an invite to one guest using their plus-one complimentary access – eligible to Qatar Airways Platinum and Gold Privilege Club members, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members.

Qatar Airways Platinum Lounge South

Located on concourse A of HIA, Qatar Airways Platinum Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Platinum loyalty members and oneworld Emerald card holders. The state-of-the-art lounge accommodates up to 140 passengers, and is equipped with a quiet area, a prayer room, a bar, a restaurant, and showers. Passengers are welcome to enjoy à la carte dining or buffet, and utilise the complimentary WiFi provided. 

Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South

Located on concourse A of HIA, Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Gold loyalty members and oneworld Sapphire card holders. The newly inaugurated lounge has the capacity to accommodate up to 85 passengers, and offers an array of services including family seating, a bar, a dining area, a full buffet dining experience, showers, and complimentary WiFi.

Qatar Airways Silver Lounge South

Located on concourse B of HIA, Qatar Airways Silver Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Silver loyalty members. First opened in March 2022, the lounge accommodates up to 195 passengers, offering meeting rooms, a family area, a quiet area, buffet dining and baggage storage facilities. 

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’.

In addition to the launching of the Gold, Silver and Platinum lounges, Qatar Airways will be increasing its Doha – Melbourne flights from the current once-daily schedule to double-daily flights from 1 October with the support of the Victorian Government. The airline and the Victorian Government signed a strategic agreement to increase connectivity to Melbourne to further boost trade and tourism.

Meanwhile, Berlin is set to benefit from enhanced connectivity to over 150 destinations, following the increase in Qatar Airlines services from daily flights to initially ten and further rising to eleven weekly flights from Berlin Brandenberg Airport.

And Qatar Airways have agreed to appear as the Official Jersey Sponsor of Paris Saint-Germain, starting from the 2022-2023 season.

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named the ‘Best Airport in the World” by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022.

Dave

Qatar Airways Introduces exclusive amenity kit partnership with iconic French perfumer Diptyque

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Qatar Airways has further elevated the standard of luxury onboard with the launch of exclusive amenity kits and gift boxes from iconic French Perfumer Diptyque.

Qatar Airways Diptyque amenity kits: Nourishing Lip Balm for moisturised lips, Essential Face Cream for a rejuvenated face, Fresh Lotion for hydrated skin and an iconic fragrance for a fresh feel.

The bespoke products will be initially available for First and Business Class passengers on routes across the Americas, Australia and New Zealand, in addition to A380 flights to London and Paris.

The new amenity range consists of Diptyque branded bags as well as gift boxes featuring Diptyque’s signature oval branding; customised for male and female passengers. Each Qatar Airways amenity kit and gift box provides specially selected Diptyque products including:

  • Nourishing Lip Balm – enriched with roses and violets to soothe and soften the lips
  • Fresh Lotion for the Body – infused with the scent of orange blossoms, to refresh sleepy skin for all skin types
  • Essential Face Cream – nourishing and replenishing, with prickly pear extract to boost radiance
  • Diptyque fragrance – ‘Eau Rose’ Eau de Toilette – an infusion of the finest damascena and centifolia roses, or the brand’s signature ‘34 Boulevard Saint Germain’ Eau de Toilette with notes of amber, patchouli, cinnamon and rose.

In line with Qatar Airways’ focus on sustainability, the Diptyque bags are made from vegan leather while the eyeshade and socks are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate plastic.

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

We are the world’s best airline due to our constant innovation in elevating passenger’s experience. We are constantly looking at new ways to enhance our customer’s journey and surpass their expectations. Our customers will be delighted to discover a generous number of items inside the amenity kits, including a choice of Diptyque’s signature fragrances for women and men. Through this exclusive partnership with Diptyque, we have further elevated premium travel, having raised the bar for all other airlines.

It is only fitting that two pioneering brands collaborate, and continuing our tradition of ‘firsts’. I am proud to say that Qatar Airways is the only airline that offers Diptyque products onboard, complementing the washroom amenities offered onboard and in our lounges. This partnership further enhances our world-class passenger experience, and will leave our customers with lasting memories of their journey, until we welcome them onboard again.

Executive Director of Diptyque, Fabienne Mauny, said

Travel is an elegance we cultivate. Diptyque is therefore delighted to offer for Qatar Airways’ passengers, wellness and pleasure in the skies. To concoct our precious perfumes, we seek out the noblest ingredients from around the globe. With this exclusive collection, we aim to provide enchanting experience to passengers.

Qatar Airways first entered its exclusive partnership with the French Perfumer, ‘Diptyque’ in March 2021, offering its washroom products on board and in its Premium lounges at Hamad International Airport (HIA). The range consists of Essential Face Cream, Infused Facial Water, Velvet Hand Lotion, hand wash, shower gel, shampoo & conditioner, Fresh Body Lotion and Hand Wash Gel Rinse-Free. The collaboration reflected Diptyque’s celebration of the French art of living and Qatar Airways’ five-star standards of excellence.

The collaboration between Qatar Airways and Diptyque is being facilitated by FORMIA, the leading international airline amenity and hospitality specialist, for an industry-leading first-onboard collection.

Qatar Airways was recently 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 won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).

Dave

Qatar Airways now has 100 aircraft equipped with high-speed broadband

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Qatar Airways is celebrating the launch of its 100th aircraft to feature high-speed ‘Super Wi-Fi’ connectivity, enabling passengers to stay in touch with families, friends and colleagues while on board using the fastest broadband service available in the sky.

Qatar Airways now offers the largest number of aircraft equipped with the most superior high-speed broadband on board in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

Airbus A350-900 aircraft number A7-ALC became the 100th member of the Qatar Airways fleet to feature the high-speed Super Wi-Fi service using the award-winning GX Aviation technology from global mobile satellite communications provider, Inmarsat.

The service is being rolled out across the airline’s fleet and since its launch in 2018 has enabled millions of passengers to browse the internet, check social media, stream videos and more whilst relaxing on board.

Qatar Airways passengers on flights fitted with GX Aviation can receive up to one hour free access to the Super Wi-Fi service, with the ability to purchase full-flight access if more online time is needed.

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

As a leader of innovation within the global aviation industry, Qatar Airways already operates one of the youngest and most technologically-advanced fleet in the skies. Where other airlines are reducing their wi-fi offering, Qatar Airways is expanding it.

With connection to our loved ones and friends now more important than ever during these challenging times, we are delighted to work with Inmarsat and its GX Aviation technology to bring high-speed ‘Super Wi-Fi’ broadband to passengers on board our fleet as part of Qatar Airways’ exceptional five-star service.

Inmarsat Aviation President, Mr. Philip Balaam, said:

Qatar Airways is world renowned for offering a superior onboard experience, which is enjoyed by millions of loyal passengers across the world. We are pleased that our GX Aviation inflight broadband has become such an important component of that experience on the airline’s extensive fleet. Feedback from passengers has been hugely positive and now, with the service being available on 100 aircraft, even more can enjoy the best connectivity in the skies.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management said:

Our customers demand stare of the art services during business trips. That includes access to fast, convenient, easy-to-use wi-fi. So congratulations to Qatar Airways for reaching the milestone of 100 aircraft fitted with ‘Super Wi-Fi’.

Along with the airline’s superb Qsuite – with Business Class double beds, and the ability for passengers travelling together to create ‘private rooms’ – and the Oryx One in-flight entertainment system, ‘Super Wi-Fi’ offers a great service to international business travellers.

With Qatar Airways being a member of oneworld, the network reach is more than 1,000 airports across 160 countries and more than 14,000 daily departures.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite. It is the only airline to have been awarded the coveted ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ title, which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, five times.

Natalie

Neymar, Lewandowski and Cafu star in Qatar Airways’ new football-themed safety video

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Qatar Airways has turned a pre-match team-talk into an entertaining safety video that will be shown on board flights before the end of the year. Featuring football legends past and present, the video delivers important safety information with the help of personalities from the airline’s ongoing partnerships with AS Roma, Bayern Munich and FIFA.

The film stars Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr, Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski and AS Roma legend Cafu, who are led through the in-flight safety routine by a comedic double act of coach and kitman played by British television regular Jason Thorpe and comedy actor Ross Hatt.

Directed by Peter Lydon, who co-wrote the script with award-winning creative agency 180 Kingsday, the six-minute film is designed for Qatar Airways’ global, family audience. Mirroring the airline’s latest advertising campaigns, the film seeks to add a playful spin to a vital part of the in-flight experience.

Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ms Salam Al Shawa, said:

At Qatar Airways, safety is priority one and we want to ensure everyone, including our most frequent travellers, watches our safety briefings. The wonderfully creative concept from 180 Kingsday will capture our passengers’ attention whilst providing a fun, light-hearted video to get the in-flight entertainment underway. The level of quality and attention to detail in this video is paramount and I am sure the content will both inform and amuse our global passengers of all ages.

Kalle Hellzen, Executive Creative Director at 180 Kingsday, said:

Humour has been shown to increase memory, so there seems to be no better way to communicate such important information than by making it fun. As always, the world of Qatar Airways enchants.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, said:

In-flight safety videos aren’t always the most entertaining or interesting.  But Qatar Airways has produced a great video, especially for football fans.  When you next fly on Qatar, look out for some of the world’s best-known football stars. 

And, while you’re on-board, check out Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system.  It offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, B777, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.

Qatar Airways was recently named ‘Airline of the Year’ for the fifth time by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘Best Business Class Seat’, and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

Please contact your GTM Account Manager to book flights on Qatar – whether you’re travelling on business, or just for the football…