History of Qatar Airways in Timeline

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Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is the flag carrier of Qatar, headquartered in Doha. Operating from Hamad International Airport, it serves over 170 international destinations across five continents via a hub-and-spoke network. The airline boasts a fleet of over 200 aircraft and employs more than 43,000 people. Qatar Airways has been a member of the Oneworld alliance since 2013 and its slogan is "Going Places Together".

November 1996: Akbar Al Baker Appointed CEO

In November 1996, Akbar Al Baker was appointed as the CEO of Qatar Airways, a position he held until November 2023.

2006: Unveiling of Branding

In 2006, Qatar Airways unveiled its current branding, featuring an oryx logo and burgundy-colored lettering on a light grey background.

June 2009: Launch of Cargo Flights to Cairo

In June 2009, Qatar Airways Cargo launched dedicated cargo flights to Cairo International Airport, complementing existing passenger services.

2009: Plans to Lower Fleet Age

In 2009, CEO Akbar Al Baker stated the intent to lower the age of the Qatar Airways fleet, citing the ineffectiveness of the Airbus A340-600 compared to the Boeing 777.

August 18, 2010: Launch of US-Dedicated Cargo Service

On August 18, 2010, Qatar Airways launched its first US-dedicated cargo service from Doha to Chicago–O'Hare with a stop-over in Amsterdam, Netherlands using Boeing 777 freighter aircraft.

January 2012: Qatar Airways opens first lounge outside Doha at London Heathrow

In January 2012, Qatar Airways opened its first lounge outside of Doha at London Heathrow's Terminal 4.

2012: Addition of Destinations to Network

In 2012, Qatar Airways added fourteen destinations to its network, including Addis Ababa, Baghdad, Belgrade, Erbil, Gassim, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Maputo, Mombasa, Perth, Saint Petersburg, Warsaw, Yangon, and Zagreb.

March 13, 2013: Delivery of First A330F

On March 13, 2013, Qatar Airways Cargo's first of three A330F aircraft was delivered, provided on lease from BOC aviation, replacing A300-600F.

July 2013: Government Control of Qatar Airways

In July 2013, Qatar Airways has been fully controlled by the government following the buyout of a 50% stake from a former foreign minister and other shareholders.

January 17, 2014: Agreement with Qatar Airways to operate flights for IAG Cargo

On January 17, 2014, an agreement with Qatar Airways to operate flights for IAG Cargo using Boeing 777F was announced on the same day Global Supply Systems operated three Boeing 747-8F aircraft.

May 2014: Company Fully Owned by Qatari Government

As of May 2014, Qatar Airways is fully owned by the Qatari government.

May 27, 2014: Transfer to Hamad International Airport

On May 27, 2014, Qatar Airways officially transferred its operations to its new hub, Hamad International Airport, replacing Doha International Airport.

September 2014: Planned Launch of Al Maha Airways

It was planned for Al Maha Airways to launch in September 2014, serving the Saudi Arabian market.

December 2014: Qatar Airways Network Expansion

As of December 2014, Qatar Airways served 146 points worldwide following the launch of flights to Asmara, Dallas/Fort Worth, Tokyo (Haneda), Miami, Edinburgh, Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, and Djibouti.

2014: Report alleges unfair treatment of Qatar Airways employees

In 2014, a Swedish newspaper, Expressen, published a report based around three Qatar Airways employees, whose lives were allegedly heavily "monitored" and "controlled" by the company. The CEO of Qatar Airways denied the claims made in the newspaper regarding the alleged unfair treatment of its employees.

March 18, 2015: Launch of Freighter Service to Los Angeles Announced

On March 18, 2015, Qatar Airways Cargo announced the launch of a twice-weekly Boeing 777 Freighter service to Los Angeles, effective April 4, 2015.

April 4, 2015: Launch of Freighter Service to Los Angeles

On April 4, 2015, Qatar Airways Cargo launched a twice-weekly Boeing 777 Freighter service to Los Angeles, becoming its fourth US freighter destination.

May 2015: Delivery of Airbus A320 Aircraft for Al Maha Airways

By May 2015, Al Maha Airways had already taken delivery of 4 Airbus A320 aircraft.

June 2015: Launch of Service to Amsterdam

Starting June 2015, Qatar Airways began serving Amsterdam.

December 2015: Announcement of Service to Durban

Starting December 2015, Qatar Airways announced it would serve Durban.

2015: Acquisition of Stake in International Airlines Group

In 2015, Qatar Airways acquired a 9.99% stake in the International Airlines Group.

2015: Qatar Airways opens the Al Safwa First Lounge

In 2015, Qatar Airways opened the Al Safwa First Lounge for its first-class passengers.

2015: Qatar Airways threatens to leave Oneworld alliance

In 2015, Qatar Airways threatened to leave Oneworld citing its relationship with American and Qantas, however never followed through on this threat.

2015: Hololei accepts free flights from Qatar Airways

Reports indicate Hololei traveled business class at no cost nine times from 2015 to 2021.

April 2016: Qatar Airways opens Premium Lounge at Dubai-International

In April 2016, Qatar Airways opened its new Premium Lounge at Dubai-International's Concourse D.

December 27, 2016: Announcement of Freighter Operations to New Destinations in the Americas

On December 27, 2016, Qatar Airways Cargo announced the launch of freighter operations to four new destinations in the Americas, including Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Quito, and Miami, starting February 2, 2017, using Boeing 777 freighters.

2016: Launch of Adelaide Service

In 2016, Qatar Airways began a non-stop service to Adelaide, Australia, initially using the Airbus A350 aircraft before switching to a Boeing 777-300ER.

January 2017: Qatar Airways opens premium lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport

In January 2017, Qatar Airways opened its new premium lounge within Terminal 1 at Charles de Gaulle Airport, marking the airline's third international lounge.

February 2, 2017: Launch of Freighter Operations to New Destinations in the Americas

On February 2, 2017, Qatar Airways Cargo launched freighter operations to four new destinations in the Americas, including Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Quito, and Miami.

February 5, 2017: Longest Regularly Scheduled Flight

On February 5, 2017, Qatar Airways operated the longest regularly scheduled commercial flight between Doha and Auckland.

February 2017: Cancellation of Al Maha Airways Project

In February 2017, Qatar Airways announced the cancellation of the Al Maha Airways project due to ongoing issues with gaining operational licenses and the Qatar diplomatic crisis.

March 2017: Qatar Airways reveals new "Qsuite" business class cabin

In March 2017, Qatar Airways unveiled its new business class cabin, called "Qsuite." The new cabin features suites with doors arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration and the middle section suites can be converted into a quad room, or a double bed.

June 2017: Flights Prevented from Entering Certain Airports

In June 2017, all Qatar Airways flights were prevented from entering Emirati, Saudi Arabian, Bahraini, and Egyptian airports due to the 2017 diplomatic crisis.

September 1, 2017: Acquisition of AQA Holding Stake

On September 1, 2017, Qatar Airways announced its acquisition of 49% of AQA Holding, the new shareholder of Meridiana.

2017: Qatar Airways dispute with American Airlines begins

In 2017, Qatar Airways was engaged in a dispute with American Airlines.

November 2018: Expansion of Flights to Iran

In November 2018, Qatar Airways announced that it would expand flights to Iran, landing at Tehran and Shiraz starting in January 2019, and Isfahan in February.

December 2018: Threat to Leave Oneworld Alliance

In December 2018, Qatar Airways' CEO, Akbar Al Baker, threatened to pull the company out of the Oneworld alliance following accusations of hostile business practices by Qantas and American Airlines.

2018: Qatar Airways dispute with Qantas starts

In 2018, a dispute between Qatar Airways and Qantas started and continues to this date.

January 2019: Expansion of Flights to Iran

In January 2019, Qatar Airways expanded flights to Iran, landing at Tehran and Shiraz.

April 30, 2019: Retirement of Airbus A340-600

On April 30, 2019, Qatar Airways retired its last Airbus A340-600 aircraft after approximately 16 years of service; the last flight was QR835 from Bangkok to Hamad International Airport.

June 18, 2019: Launch of Flights to Davao, Philippines

On June 18, 2019, Qatar Airways launched its first flight from Doha to Davao, Philippines.

August 2019: Introduction of Flights to Langkawi

In August 2019, Qatar Airways introduced flights to Langkawi as part of its expansion plans in Southeast Asia, making it the airline's third destination in Malaysia.

December 2019: Purchase of Stake in Bugesera International Airport

In December 2019, Qatar Airways purchased a 60% stake in Rwanda's new $1.3 billion Bugesera International Airport.

December 24, 2019: Marc Bennett found dead in Doha hotel room

On December 24, 2019, Marc Bennett was found hanged in his hotel room in Doha. According to the investigation by The Times, Bennett was arrested after resigning from a senior post with Qatar Airways.

2019: Qatar Airways threatens to leave Oneworld alliance

In 2019, Qatar Airways threatened to leave Oneworld citing its relationship with American and Qantas, however never followed through on this threat.

February 2020: Increased Shareholding in International Airlines Group

As of February 2020, Qatar Airways held 25.1% of the shares in International Airlines Group, having steadily increased its shareholding since initially buying 9.99% in 2015.

February 2020: Largest Shareholder in International Airlines Group (IAG)

As of February 2020, Qatar Airways is the largest shareholder in International Airlines Group (IAG) with 25.1% of the shares.

February 2020: Acquisition of Stake in RwandAir

In February 2020, Qatar Airways acquired a 49% stake in Rwanda's flag carrier airline, RwandAir, to provide technical and financial support, and to bypass embargoes.

September 2020: Suspension of Flights to Birmingham and Cardiff

In September 2020, Qatar Airways suspended flights to Birmingham Airport and Cardiff Airport due to low demand caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions.

October 2, 2020: Australian women strip-searched after being deplaned from Qatar Airways flight

On October 2, 2020, thirteen Australian female passengers aboard a Qatar Airways flight to Sydney from Hamad International Airport in Doha were forced to deplane before takeoff and were subsequently strip searched and "subjected to an invasive internal examination" against their will.

January 2021: Embargo Lifted

In January 2021, the embargo against Qatar Airways was lifted, allowing the airline to resume flights to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain, and to use their airspace.

January 25, 2021: Qatar Airways Network Expansion

As of January 25, 2021, Qatar Airways' network covered 120 destinations following the resolution of Qatar's airspace dispute with neighboring Gulf countries, with plans to expand to 130 routes by March 2021.

March 2021: Planned Network Expansion

By March 2021, Qatar Airways planned to expand its network to reach 130 routes.

March 28, 2021: Scheduled Restart of Flights to Birmingham and Cardiff

Flights to Birmingham Airport and Cardiff Airport were scheduled to restart on March 28, 2021, after being suspended in September 2020, but only the flight to Birmingham restarted on July 6, 2023.

July 24, 2021: Resumption of Service to Cebu

On July 24, 2021, Qatar Airways resumed service to Cebu after eight years, making it the third destination in the Philippines served by the airline.

2021: Hololei accepts free flights from Qatar Airways

Reports indicate Hololei traveled business class at no cost nine times from 2015 to 2021.

September 29, 2022: Article published about the death of Marc Bennett

On September 29, 2022, The Times published an article about the death of British travel industry executive Marc Bennett in Qatar.

October 2022: Australian women begin legal proceedings against Qatar Airways

In October 2022, the affected Australian women began legal proceedings in Australia against Qatar Airways and the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority under the Montreal convention.

December 2022: European Parliament suspends Qatar's access following corruption allegations

In December 2022, the European Parliament suspended Qatar's access following allegations that Qatari representatives offered substantial bribes to influence decisions, leading to the arrest of several individuals.

2022: Report reveals dangerous working conditions for Qatar Airways crew

In 2022, a Thomson Reuters Foundation report revealed that Qatar Airways crew are frequently exposed to dangerous, life-threatening working conditions, and suffer burnout and fatigue from being overworked and underpaid.

March 2023: Qatar Airways Group Employment Figures

At March 2023, the Qatar Airways Group employed more than 48,000 people, of whom 32,000 worked directly for the airline.

July 6, 2023: Restart of Flights to Birmingham

On July 6, 2023, Qatar Airways restarted flights to Birmingham Airport after suspending them in September 2020, while flights to Cardiff remained suspended.

July 2023: Australian Government rejects Qatar Airways' request to double capacity

In July 2023, the Australian Government rejected a request for Qatar Airways to double capacity into Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, with the 2020 incident being a 'factor' influencing the decision.

July 2023: Government Blocked Expansion Plan

In July 2023, the Australian government blocked Qatar Airways' expansion plan to double flights to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, citing it against Australia's national interest and supporting Qantas's argument that the expansion would distort the market.

September 2023: Qatar Airways VP calls 2020 incident "a one-off and an isolated incident"

In September 2023, Qatar Airways' senior vice president of global sales Matt Raos asserted that the 2020 incident was "a one-off and an isolated incident" during an Australian Senate inquiry.

September 2023: Re-introduction of Doha to Auckland Route

On 1 September 2023, Qatar Airways reintroduced the route from Doha to Auckland with frequency of 7 times per week using its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

October 2023: Collaboration with Starlink

In October 2023, Qatar Airways announced a collaboration with Starlink to provide high-speed in-flight internet.

November 5, 2023: Akbar Al Baker Steps Down as CEO

On November 5, 2023, Akbar Al Baker stepped down as the CEO of Qatar Airways.

November 2023: Appointment of Badr Mohammed Al-Meer as CEO

As of November 2023, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer became the CEO of Qatar Airways, succeeding Akbar Al Baker.

March 2024: Announcement of Sama 2.0

In March 2024, Qatar Airways announced Sama 2.0, marking the debut of its AI cabin crew, designed to personalize passenger experiences.

April 2024: Federal Court of Australia dismisses case against Qatar Airways

In April 2024, the Federal Court of Australia dismissed the case against Qatar Airways related to the searches, finding that the searches did not happen onboard a Qatar Airways aircraft nor were carried out by the airline's employees.

August 2024: Acquisition of Airlink Shareholding

In August 2024, Qatar Airways acquired a 25% shareholding in Airlink.

November 2024: Criminal investigation initiated into former EU transport chief over free flights from Qatar Airways

In November 2024, it was reported the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has initiated a criminal investigation into Henrik Hololei, a former EU transport chief, over allegations of accepting free flights from Qatar Airways while negotiating an Open Skies deal that favoured the airline.

January 7, 2025: Resumption of Flights to Damascus

On January 7, 2025, Qatar Airways resumed its schedule of three weekly flights to Damascus after 13 years of absence.

February 2025: Acquisition of Stake in Virgin Australia Holdings

In February 2025, Qatar Airways acquired a 25% stake in Virgin Australia Holdings.

February 2025: Approval of Virgin Australia Holdings Sale

In February 2025, the Australian Government approved the sale of 25% of Virgin Australia Holdings to Qatar Airways, allowing Virgin to start flights from Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Doha.

March 2025: Expansion of Services to Meet Summer Travel Surge

In March 2025, Qatar Airways announced that it is expanding its services to meet the anticipated summer travel surge by increasing flights to 11 global destinations.

July 2025: Resumption of Operations to Malta

In July 2025, Qatar Airways is scheduled to resume operations to Malta servicing the route with its fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.