Qatar Airways named best airline in the world

Qatar Airways has been named best in the world in the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards for the second year running.

The rapidly-growing Gulf carrier won three top accolades including the main award, it said in a statement.

The Doha-based carrier retained the coveted title of Airline of the Year 2012 and also notched up awards for Best Airline in the Middle East for the seventh consecutive year and the Best Airline Staff Service award in the Middle East.

The Skytrax awards, conducted by the global aviation research organisation, polled over 18 million business and leisure air travellers from more than 100 countries.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker hailed the achievements as “fantastic recognition” of all employees at Qatar Airways for the dedication and commitment to their job.

“I am extremely proud of the adulation given once again by the very people who fly - the travelling public, for their support and faith in Qatar Airways,” said Al Baker, speaking after being presented with the awards.

"Retaining awards is always difficult, but we have managed to do so amid the tough competition which only shows we remain focused in our day to day job of offering passengers what they fully deserve – the highest standards of service both in the air and on the ground."

Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted added: "To win the Airline of the Year award for a second successive year is a remarkable achievement for Qatar Airways, and a clear recognition of the continued efforts by Qatar Airways’ management and staff to be the world's best airline."

Air travellers were surveyed during a 10-month period. The survey measured passenger satisfaction across more than 38 key performance indicators of airline front-line product and service, including check-in, boarding, onboard seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, food, beverages, in-flight entertainment and staff service.

The survey covered more than 200 airlines, from the largest international airlines to smaller domestic carriers.

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in 15 years of operation, currently operating a modern fleet of 109 aircraft to 117 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

Over the next few months, Qatar Airways launches services to a diverse portfolio of new routes, including Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (July 25); Mombasa, Kenya (August 15); Yangon, Myanmar (October 3); Maputo, Mozambique (October 31) and a date yet-to-be-announced to the Serbian capital Belgrade.