Qatar Airways accumulated over 1.3 billion revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) during April – more than triple the tally of its nearest competitor.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) data shows that Qatar Airways accounted for 17.8% of global RPK in the month.
As reported, Qatar Airways has been at the forefront of global travel even at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, with the airline repatriating more than 1.8 million passengers on over 15,000 flights over recent months.
Qatar Airways Cargo also led the way, with more than 900 million cargo tonne kilometres (CTK) for the month, 7.2% of the global market.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker said: “I welcome these independent statistics from IATA which clearly show our airline’s resilience during this crisis and unwavering commitment to our passengers to reunite them with their loved ones, and our cargo customers to continue transporting their goods to where they need to be.”
The airline is now slowly increasing its network, having never let its number of destinations fall below 30 during the pandemic.
“While many airlines suspended operations, we continued to maintain a robust schedule and network,” Al Baker continued. “Our commitment to the travel market is clear, Qatar Airways is the airline passengers and trade partners can rely on now and in the future.”
Al Baker added that the airline’s continuous operations meant it had finessed its safety and hygiene measures. As reported, cabin crew have already been wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during flights. The airline is now requiring all passengers to wear face coverings.
Passengers flying business class on Qsuite-equipped aircraft can avail of the suite’s privacy by opting to use their do not disturb indicator.
Qatar’s gateway, Hamad International Airport, is also implementing stringent cleaning procedures and has closed non-essential passenger facilities. Furthermore, all touchpoints are being sanitised every 10-15 minutes and hand sanitisers are provided at immigration and security checkpoints.
Staff working at the airport have been given training to protect themselves and others, and will wear masks and disposable gloves.
Inspiration in Crisis
Qatar Airways won a special judge’s accolade in the recent Moodies Awards for its poignant conveying of a simple-sounding yet hugely complex mission to get people home to their loved ones during the COVID-19 crisis.
Qatar Airways has played an inspirational, arguably unrivalled, leadership role throughout the crisis, one beautifully personified by a cabin crew member interviewed in this heartwarming film. She says simply, “We will bring you home.”
Qatar Airways prefaces the film by saying: “We are so proud of Qatar Airways’ cabin crew who are continuing to serve in the midst of this challenging time, just knowing that it will make a difference to somebody out there.”
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