History of Qatar Airways in Timeline

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Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is the flag carrier of Qatar, headquartered in Doha. It operates a hub-and-spoke network, serving over 170 international destinations across five continents from Hamad International Airport. 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 October 2013 and uses the slogan "Going Places Together".

1974: Qatar Becomes Joint-Owner of Gulf Air

In 1974, the State of Qatar became a joint-owner member of Gulf Air.

November 22, 1993: Qatar Airways Established

On November 22, 1993, Qatar Airways was established by the government of Qatar.

January 20, 1994: Qatar Airways Operations Begin

On January 20, 1994, Qatar Airways began its flight operations.

May 1994: First Destination: Amman

In May 1994, Amman became Qatar Airways' first destination.

April 1995: Qatar Airways Staffing and Fleet Expansion

In April 1995, Qatar Airways, led by CEO Sheikh Hamad Bin Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, had a staff of 75 and a fleet of two Airbus A310s.

1996: Aircraft Acquisition

In 1996, Qatar Airways acquired a second-hand Boeing 747SP from Air Mauritius.

1996: Service Discontinuation

In late 1996, Qatar Airways discontinued services to Athens, Istanbul, Madras, and Tunis.

September 1997: Muscat Route Removed

In September 1997, Muscat was removed from Qatar Airways' route network.

July 1998: Order with Airbus

In July 1998, Qatar Airways placed a firm order with Airbus for six Airbus A320s.

February 1999: Delivery of First A320

In February 1999, Qatar Airways took delivery of the first A320 powered by Aero Engines V2500 on lease from SALE.

April 1999: Airbus A320 Lease Deal

In April 1999, Qatar Airways finalized a lease deal with SALE for four Airbus A320s to replace the Boeing 727-200 Advanced fleet.

April 2000: Fourth A300-600R Joins the Fleet

In April 2000, a fourth A300-600R on lease from AWAS joined the Qatar Airways fleet.

October 2000: Order for Airbus A319CJ

In October 2000, Qatar Airways ordered an International Aero Engines V2500-powered Airbus A319CJ.

2001: Airbus A380 Order and Service Resumption

In 2001, Qatar Airways became the ninth customer for the Airbus A380, ordering two aircraft of the type. Also in 2001, the airline resumed services to Jakarta.

2001: Airbus Order

In 2001, Qatar Airways had ordered six Airbus A320s, with deliveries slated between 2001 and 2005.

May 2002: Qatar Withdraws from Gulf Air

In May 2002, Qatar became the first among the joint-owner countries to withdraw from Gulf Air.

June 2003: Resumption of Flights to Iraq and Incorporation of Cargo Aircraft

In June 2003, Qatar Airways resumed international services to Iraq with the Doha-Basra route and added its first dedicated cargo aircraft, an Airbus A300-600R converted to freighter.

March 2004: First Profit Ever

In March 2004, The Qatar Airways Group reported its first profit ever for the fiscal year that ended in March 2004, transporting 3.35 million passengers.

July 2004: Zürich Becomes 53rd Destination

In July 2004, Zürich became Qatar Airways' 53rd destination worldwide.

2004: Fleet Entry Scheduled

In June 2003, the first aircraft were scheduled to enter the fleet in 2004, with the A340-600 slated for delivery in 2006.

March 2005: New Service to Osaka Launched

In March 2005, Qatar Airways launched a new service to Osaka.

2005: Airbus Order Deliveries

In 2001, Qatar Airways had ordered six Airbus A320s, with deliveries slated between 2001 and 2005.

September 8, 2006: First A340 Delivered

On September 8, 2006, Qatar Airways' first A340 was delivered.

2006: A340-600 Slated for Delivery

In June 2003, the first aircraft were scheduled to enter the fleet in 2004, with the A340-600 slated for delivery in 2006.

May 2007: MoU Signed with Airbus for A350 XWBs

In May 2007, Qatar Airways and Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding for the acquisition of 80 Airbus A350 XWBs.

November 2007: Firm Order for Boeing 787s and 777s

In November 2007, Qatar Airways confirmed a firm order for 30 Boeing 787-8s, plus options for 35 more, along with 14 Boeing 777-300ERs, six Boeing 777-200LRs, and seven Boeing 777Fs.

November 2008: New York-JFK Service Commenced

In November 2008, Qatar Airways commenced a new scheduled service to New York-JFK, replacing the Newark route.

February 2009: First Boeing 777-200LRs Handed Over

In February 2009, the first two Boeing 777-200LRs were handed over to Qatar Airways by the aircraft manufacturer.

October 12, 2009: World's First Commercial Passenger Flight Powered by Natural Gas Fuel

On October 12, 2009, Qatar Airways completed the world's first commercial passenger flight powered by a fuel made from natural gas.

April 2010: Tokyo-Narita Service Launch

In April 2010, Qatar Airways first served Tokyo-Narita.

May 14, 2010: Boeing 777F Delivered

On May 14, 2010, the Boeing 777F (A7-BFA) aircraft was delivered to Qatar Airways.

May 18, 2010: Boeing 777F Enters Service

On May 18, 2010, Qatar Airways put its first Boeing 777F (A7-BFA) into service with a flight from Doha to Amsterdam.

September 2011: Qatar Airways Receives 100th Boeing Aircraft

In September 2011, Boeing's handover of a Boeing 777-200LR marked Qatar Airways receiving its 100th aircraft from this aircraft manufacturer.

2011: Launch of Benghazi and Entebbe Services

During 2011, Qatar Airways launched services to Benghazi and Entebbe.

January 2012: Airline's first lounge opens outside Doha

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

February 1, 2012: Service to Baku and Tbilisi Launched

Service to Baku and Tbilisi, originally planned for 2011, was launched on February 1, 2012, due to operational issues.

July 2012: Perth Service Launch

In July 2012, Perth became the second city served in Australia by Qatar Airways.

October 8, 2012: Qatar Airways Announces Joining Oneworld

On October 8, 2012, Qatar Airways announced it would join Oneworld within the forthcoming 18 months.

November 12, 2012: Qatar Airways Receives First Dreamliner

On November 12, 2012, Qatar Airways became the seventh carrier worldwide to acquire the Dreamliner, receiving its first Boeing 787 aircraft. It was the first Dreamliner delivered to a Middle Eastern airline.

February 2013: European Customer Service Centre Opened

In February 2013, Qatar Airways opened its European Customer Service centre in Wrocław, Poland.

June 2013: Boeing 777-300ER Order Firmed Up

In June 2013, Qatar Airways firmed up an order for two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft plus seven options.

September 2013: Services to Ethiopia Begin

In September 2013, Qatar Airways services to Ethiopia began.

October 2013: Qatar Airways Joins Oneworld Alliance

In October 2013, Qatar Airways became a member of the Oneworld alliance.

October 29, 2013: Qatar Airways Joins Oneworld

On October 29, 2013, the joining ceremony took place and Qatar Airways officially joined Oneworld.

November 17, 2013: Boeing 777-9X Purchase

On November 17, 2013, Qatar Airways purchased 50 Boeing 777-9Xs at the Dubai Airshow.

2013: Qatar Airways joins Oneworld alliance

In 2013, Qatar Airways joined the Oneworld alliance and was involved in numerous high profile public disputes with fellow members.

2013: Initial A350 XWB delivery

In May 2007, Qatar Airways and Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding for the acquisition of 80 Airbus A350 XWBs, including 20 Airbus A350-800s and 20 aircraft of the –900 and –1000 variant, respectively, with the first aircraft initially slated for delivery in 2013.

May 2014: All-Business Class Flight and Edinburgh Launch

In May 2014, Qatar Airways launched an all-business class flight to London-Heathrow using Airbus A319LR aircraft, and also launched flights to Edinburgh.

June 2014: Airbus A380 Delivery Expected

In June 2014, Qatar Airways expected to take delivery of its first three Airbus A380 aircraft.

August 1, 2014: Delayed Airbus A380 Services to London

On August 1, 2014, the start of A380 services to London were delayed to August 1, 2014.

September 16, 2014: Delivery of First Airbus A380

On September 16, 2014, delivery of the first Airbus A380 aircraft finally took place for Qatar Airways.

October 2014: A380 Services to London Commenced

In October 2014, Airbus A380 services to London commenced.

December 22, 2014: First Airbus A350-900 Handed Over

On December 22, 2014, the first Airbus A350-900 was handed over to Qatar Airways, making them the launch customer for the A350 XWB.

2014: Boeing 777-9X Commitment

In 2014, The Boeing 777-9X commitment was firmed up during the Farnborough Air Show in a deal worth US$18.9 billion.

2014: Report alleges employee mistreatment

In 2014, the Swedish newspaper Expressen published a report, alleging that Qatar Airways employees' lives were heavily "monitored" and "controlled" by the company. Qatar Airways denied the claims.

January 15, 2015: First Revenue Flight of Airbus A350-900

On January 15, 2015, Qatar Airways had its first revenue flight of the Airbus A350-900 to Frankfurt.

January 2015: Order for Boeing 777Fs Concluded

In January 2015, Qatar Airways concluded an order for four Boeing 777Fs in a deal worth US$1.24 billion.

June 2015: Boeing 777-8Xs and 777Fs Ordered

In June 2015, it was disclosed that Qatar Airways had ordered ten Boeing 777-8Xs and four additional Boeing 777Fs for US$4.18 billion.

August 2015: Policy Change for Cabin Crew

In August 2015, Qatar Airways relaxed its policy of sacking cabin crew for getting pregnant or marrying in their first five years of employment.

2015: New Company Slogan

In 2015, Qatar Airways adopted "Going Places Together" as its official company slogan.

2015: Qatar Airways opens Al Safwa First Lounge

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

2015: Qatar Airways threatens to leave Oneworld

In 2015, Qatar Airways threatened to leave the Oneworld alliance, citing its relationship with American Airlines and Qantas.

2015: Hololei allegedly received free flights from 2015 to 2021

Reports indicate Henrik Hololei traveled business class at no cost nine times from 2015 to 2021 from Qatar Airways while negotiating an Open Skies deal.

January 2016: First Boeing 747 Nose Loader Received

In January 2016, Qatar Airways received its first Boeing 747 nose loader.

April 2016: Qatar Airways opens new Premium Lounge at Dubai-International's Concourse D

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

July 2016: U.S. Department of State Talks with Qatar Government

In July 2016, the U.S. Department of State held talks with Qatar government officials regarding the allegations of unfair competition against Qatar Airways.

January 2017: Qatar Airways opens new premium lounge within Terminal 1 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. The lounge has a capacity for up to 200 passengers and includes two terraces.

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

In March 2017, Qatar Airways unveiled its new business class cabin, named "Qsuite," featuring suites with doors in a 1-2-1 configuration. The Qsuite includes single seats by the windows, and middle section suites that can convert into a quad room for four passengers or a double bed for couples. The Qsuite was launched on new Boeing 777-300ER and A350 XWB aircraft and introduced on the Doha to London Heathrow route.

2017: Dispute with American Airlines began

From 2017 to 2020, Qatar Airways was engaged in a dispute with American Airlines.

2018: Dispute with Qantas started

In 2018, a dispute between Qatar Airways and Qantas started and it has continued to this date.

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. Bennett was arrested after resigning from a senior post with Qatar Airways for a rival firm in Saudi Arabia.

2019: Qatar Airways threatens to leave Oneworld again

In 2019, Qatar Airways threatened to leave Oneworld citing its relationship with American and Qantas.

October 2, 2020: Australian passengers subjected to invasive search

On October 2, 2020, thirteen Australian female passengers on a Qatar Airways flight to Sydney were forced to deplane and were strip-searched after a newborn baby was found in an airport bathroom. This incident led to a diplomatic dispute between Australia and Qatar.

2020: Boeing 777-9X Deliveries Expected to Start

In 2020, Deliveries of the Boeing 777-9X passenger aircraft are expected to start.

2020: Australian Government rejects Qatar Airways capacity request due to the 2020 incident

In July 2023, the Australian Government rejected a request for Qatar Airways to double capacity into Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth because the 2020 incident involving strip searching the passengers on one of their flights was a factor.

2020: Qatar Airways VP addresses incident

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

2020: Dispute with American Airlines ended

Qatar Airways was engaged in a dispute with American Airlines from 2017 to 2020.

2021: Hololei allegedly received free flights from 2015 to 2021

Reports indicate Henrik Hololei traveled business class at no cost nine times from 2015 to 2021 from Qatar Airways while negotiating an Open Skies deal.

September 29, 2022: The Times publishes article 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: Legal proceedings commenced by affected Australian women

In October 2022, the Australian women affected by the strip search incident 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 bribery allegations

In December 2022, the European Parliament suspended Qatar's access following allegations that Qatari representatives offered substantial bribes to influence decisions, leading to arrests. Lufthansa subsequently called for suspension of the EU-Qatar air transport agreement.

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, with pilots and cabin crew suffering from burnout and fatigue due to being overworked and underpaid.

July 2023: Australian Government rejects Qatar Airways capacity request

In July 2023, the Australian Government rejected Qatar Airways' request to double capacity into Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The Australian Minister for Transport stated that the 2020 incident influenced the decision.

September 2023: Qatar Airways VP addresses 2020 incident

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

April 2024: Federal Court dismisses case against Qatar Airways

In April 2024, The Federal Court of Australia dismissed the case against Qatar Airways, determining that the searches did not occur on a Qatar Airways aircraft nor were conducted by its employees. Qatar had expressed its disapproval of the incident and Qatari officials apologized multiple times.

November 2024: Criminal investigation initiated into former EU transport chief

In November 2024, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) 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 favored the airline.