Qatar Airways Leading the Way in Customer Service
By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter
DOHA, Qatar ― When you buy first and business class air tickets, it's natural to expect the best levels of comfort and hospitality before and during the flight.
Quality services during the flight are guaranteed by most airlines worldwide nowadays, but few offer dedicated or distinctive services and facilities for premium passengers.
Qatar Airways, however, has the solution. The airline, one of the world's fastest growing carriers, operates the world's first commercial passenger terminal for first and business class passengers at the Doha International Airport.
From the moment you step into the 10,000-square-meter Premium Terminal with serene water features, you are able to enjoy concierge-style check-in, and other hassle-free and memorable experience.
The $100-million terminal, built in November 2006 shortly before the start of the 15th Asian Games in the Qatari capital of Doha, offers a number of dedicated facilities from duty-free shopping, conference rooms, a nursery and children's play area to spa treatment rooms, saunas, jacuzzis and fine dining restaurants
``The Premium Terminal goes one step further by exceeding passengers' expectations. It's innovative, unique and truly one of a kind,'' Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways chief executive officer, said in a news release. ``Within the new environment, Qatar Airways first and business class passengers can relax in their very own exclusive area and enjoy the comforts of the terminal before catching their flight.''
For business travelers, the terminal offers a conference room with audio and visual facilities and meeting rooms together with secretarial services, all available free on a first-come, first-serve basis, he added.
Other highlights of the luxury terminal include free Internet access stations, simulator games and Sony PlayStations, prayer rooms for men and women, and a 24-hour medical center.
Premium passengers flying on code-share flights operated by Qatar Airways are eligible to use the terminal. Children and nannies traveling economy class with first and business class passengers can check-in at the terminal and use selected areas.
In 2007, the Premium Terminal was ranked among the top three premium lounges in the world by Skytrax, a renowned international aviation industry auditor.
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is serving more than 80 business and leisure capitals across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Far East, South Asia and North America. The airline is the only Middle East carrier and one of only six airlines in the world to earn the coveted Five Star award for excellence in service and standards. The carrier boosted its tally of international honors by earning accolades in the 2008 Skytrax Awards, in which the airline remained among the top 10 in the world.