Qatar Airways won the “World's Leading Business Class” award at the 15th annual World Travel Awards ceremony held at Beaches Resort on the Caribbean island of Turks & Caicos. The latest accolade given recently brought to 10 the international awards Qatar Airways has received so far in 2008. In a worldwide survey conducted by the World Travel Awards, professionals in the travel and tourism industry initially voted Qatar Airways as the Middle East's Leading Business Class Airline for the second year running. Subsequently, the winners from each region were put forward to the international finale which saw airlines, hotels, cruise operators and travel ancillary companies from across the globe compete against each other to be named the world's best. Commenting on the award, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker, said: “To be named as having the best business class in the world at the biggest travel event of the year by the most prestigious industry awards body just goes to prove that, once again, Qatar Airways is seen by the travel industry as the preferred airline for frequent corporate travelers not only in the Middle East, but worldwide.” He further said “2008 has seen Qatar Airways continue to go from strength to strength. The fact that the airline has been awarded such an impressive number of industry honors is testament to the fact that our efforts in providing a superior service both onboard and on the ground have been recognized.” “This award is recognition that Qatar Airways continues to lead (in) what is a highly competitive aviation industry by offering the most innovative premium services to our valued customers,” Al-Baker added. Qatar Airways operates a young and modern fleet of 64 Boeing and Airbus aircraft serving 83 cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America. It currently has outstanding orders for more than 200 aircraft worth over $40 billion. __
