Airline launches 14 new destinations, welcomes 19 new aircraft into fleet

Al Baker and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner following the announcement of Qatar Airways’ landmark order in October

DOHA:  Qatar Airways is celebrating a successful year of continued growth achieved in 2016 through strategic network, fleet and partnership expansions.

At a time when a number of airlines are downsizing, Qatar Airways continued to see strong growth and inaugurated 14 new destinations across its global network and welcomed 19 new aircraft to its fleet, taking the count to 192, as well as placing a record aircraft order to power future growth. Qatar Airways has made a number of strategic investments in other airlines and airline groups, while investing heavily in the continued evolution of its own passenger experience. Lauded for its success, Qatar Airways received a number of awards throughout the year, confirming it as one of the world's leading carriers for business and leisure travel. Fans or followers can enjoy a video created by the airline, highlighting it's most special moments here.

The airline also celebrated its strong financial performance, having finished the 2016 fiscal year with an operating profit of more than QAR 3 billion - the best yet for the Qatar Airways Group.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, said: "I am extremely proud of the success that Qatar Airways has achieved together with our employees and partners in 2016. I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to all staff for their discipline and tireless pursuit for excellence. I'd also like to extend my gratitude to our loyal passengers for their continued support. Our passengers will see a continuation of our commitment to providing the very best travel experiences in the year to come. This past year has truly been an exceptional year and, and as we turn to 2017 to celebrate Qatar Airways 20th Anniversary, I look forward to celebrating future successes with our employees, partners and passengers in the years to come as we go places together."

Route expansion

Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in aviation history, with the airline now serving over 150 destinations following the inauguration of 14 new destinations in 2016 alone. Providing even more choice for travellers, the airline introduced exciting destinations such as Adelaide (Australia), Atlanta (USA), Birmingham (UK), Boston (USA), Helsinki (Finland), Los Angeles (USA), Marrakech (Morocco), Pisa (Italy), Ras Al-Khaimah (UAE), Sydney (Australia), Windhoek (Namibia),  Yerevan (Armenia), Krabi (Thailand) and Mahe (Seychelles).

Fleet expansion

Qatar Airways took delivery of 19 new aircraft in 2016, creating a total fleet of 192 aircraft. Having been the global launch customer of the A350,

Qatar Airways continued to deliver on its fleet expansion and renewal strategy, having placed a record $11.7 billion order for 30 B787-9 Dreamliners and 10 777-300ERs, as well as signing a Letter of Intent for up to 60 737 Max 8s valued at $6.9 billion. The landmark order, combined with previous orders results in a total of 350 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to be delivered to the airline over the coming years valued at more than $90 billion. Qatar Airways enjoys one of the youngest fleets in the world, averaging just five years, and the combination of its short and long haul mixed fleet provides the airline with the operational agility to maximize efficiency and profit by putting the right aircraft on the right route - every time.

Qatar Airways' private jet arm, Qatar Executive, was the global launch customer for the Gulfstream G650ER, and placed an order for a further three G650ERs - the fastest and longest range private jet aircraft in the world - at the Farnborough Airshow in July. The latest order will make Qatar Executive the largest dedicated G650 operator globally.

Qatar Airways' A380 is welcomed by a water cannon solute on its inaugural flight to Atlanta, USA in June.

Australia's George Calombaris was a guest of Qatar Airways at the Qatar International Food Festival in March.

H.E. Mr. Al Baker accepting the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards in July.

Qatar Airways Boeing 777 flying over the iconic Sydney Opera House on its inaugural service to Sydney in March. Sydney services are now operated by the airline's flagship A380.

Qatar Airways was announced Airline with the Best Business Class at the Business Traveller Awards Middle East 2016.

H.E. Mr. Al Baker and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner following the announcement of Qatar Airways' landmark order in October.

H.E Mr. Al Baker and a number of high-profile delegates officially open The Oryx International School in November.

Qatar Airways became the first airline in the world to operate scheduled A350 flights to Australia when it inaugurated services to Adelaide in May.

Qatar Airways Cabin Crew showcase the Stunning Qatar Airways Cup revealed during a pre-match press conference.

H.E Mr. Al Baker presenting the Qatar Airways Cup.