DOHA, 9 April 2005 — Qatar Airways has been designated as the official airline for the 15th Asian Games to be held in Doha 2006.
On Monday, officials of the airline sealed a deal worth $10 million with the Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee (DAGOC), with Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker signing for Qatar Airways and Director General Abdulla Al-Qahtani signing for the committee.
Local and international media representatives attended the ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the Qatari capital.
In a press statement, DAGOC officials said the partnership with Qatar Airways will enable the committee “to deliver the highest possible standard of airline service to athletes, officials, spectators and media representatives participating in the 15th Asian Games.”
Thousands of athletes from 45 countries across Asia and tens of thousands of spectators from around the world are expected to flock to Doha during the games in the third quarter of next year.
“The Games is the major focal point for Qatar over the next 18 months and it will bring tremendous benefits to our country. The provision of a world-class airline in Qatar Airways flying participants and supporting the event will be a key aspect of the success of the Games,” said Al-Qahtani.
“The support of Qatar Airways as the official airline at a time when our progress is already exceeding all expectations and our momentum is taking off at full speed is greatly welcomed.
Qatar Airways is among the most experienced airlines in the world and we are confident that they will deliver the best ever airline service for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.”
Al-Baker said he was delighted, on behalf of the airline, to be supporting the biggest sporting event ever staged in the history of Qatar.
“As official airline of the 15th Asian Games, we look forward to working with the Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee on making next year’s event as the best-ever in the history of the Games,” he said.
“Qatar Airways will be delivering its award-winning Five Star service to visitors to the Games, whether they are participating or are spectators. Qatar Airways’ trademark is personal attention and service quality, epitomizing the values and hospitality of our Qatari tradition.
Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world with a strong reputation for service excellence and the high standards.
Since its relaunch in 1997, it has developed into an award-winning airline flying to 60 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East.
The airline plans to serve 70 destinations by the end of 2005.
Last seen, Qatar Airways brought its award-winning Five Star service to Japan with its inaugural flight from Doha touching down at Kansai International Airport in Osaka last week.
Flight QR820 arrived in Japan’s commercial city to a fireman’s salute — firing of a water arch — and traditional Japanese music provided by Koto players and greetings from senior airport officials and codeshare partner ANA.
Mohamed Saleh Fakhri, general manager commercial, and Marwan Koleilat, senior manager for commercial operations in the Far East and Australasia, headed up the airline’s delegation on the first flight. Travel agents, tour operators and media from across the Middle East were also onboard for the nine-hour journey from Doha.
