16 February 2009

Qatar Airways has launched an innovative Economy Class inflight-service on all flights operating to and from the UK. The new service will soon be rolled out across the entire network.

Doha, QATAR - Qatar Airways has launched an innovative Economy Class inflight-service on all flights operating to and from the UK. The revamped concept, which sees all onboard meals served in a new presentation style using recyclable materials, is aimed at enhancing passengers' overall flying experience.

It is a well-documented fact that the way in which food is presented influences not only whether it is enjoyed but also the way it tastes. The new-look colourful meal tray components offer passengers in Economy a whole new take on food presentation that will take them on a wonderful culinary journey.

With see through trays, bright meal cartons and cutlery packs, as well as a personal table mat in a variety of different colours, Qatar Airways envisages onboard mealtimes being extremely well-received due to the attractive new style in which the food is set.

Given the environmental issues and concerns that are paramount in the travel industry today, the Five Star Carrier's new light-weight trays and the disposable mugs and boxes are 99% recyclable, offering a more eco-friendly way to serve inflight meals than most airlines.

For the main meals of lunch and dinner and, in keeping with the airline's Five Star Arabic hospitality, each tray will offer a flavour of Arabia with a regional dressing or dip, such as humus, to serve with the fresh salad starter accompanied by Arabic bread.

Passengers will be given a choice of three delicious main courses, including a lighter option for the more health conscious.

Malaysian chicken curry, fish and fennel pot pie and Indian style kadi pakora are among the selection of mouth-watering main meals.

In addition to fresh fruit, a healthy yoghurt and croissant with preserves, Economy passengers travelling at breakfast time will be able to choose from two hot dishes such as Zucchini and Majoran Fritatta with Cherry tomatoes or Apple and Cinnamon crepe with maple syrup and berry garnish.

Qatar Airways takes Economy service to new heights with a revamped inflight-meal service.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: "Over the years, scientific research has demonstrated that food presentation makes an enormous contribution to the enjoyment of a meal. With this in mind, our new-look meal trays are guaranteed to satisfy passenger taste-buds across the Economy Class cabin.

"Qatar Airways prides itself on offering a superior service, no matter what cabin class our passengers are travelling in. This new tray concept will ensure that our valued Economy Class passengers continue to not only enjoy high quality food and drink but also, that their palate is satisfied by the visual appearance of what they are eating."

Following the introduction of this new tray service on flights between Doha and London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester, Qatar Airways plans to roll out the concept across the remainder of its international network over the next few months.

Notes to Editors

About Qatar Airways: Doha-based Qatar Airways will operate a fleet of 110 aircraft by 2013 - almost double the existing size. Qatar Airways has ordered 80 Airbus A350s, 60 Boeing 787s and 32 Boeing 777s, with deliveries of the latter having started in November 2007. The airline is one of the customers of the twin-deck Airbus A380 ‘super jumbos' with five on order and scheduled for delivery from 2012. At the Farnborough Air Show in July 2008, the airline also ordered six Airbus A321s. Qatar Airways is due to move to the New Doha International Airport in 2011 when the first phase of the new facility is scheduled to open. For more information, visit http://www.ndiaproject.com/

Qatar Airways is one of only six airlines in the world with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways' cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the sixth year running in 2008 and the airline was voted Best in the Middle East for the third year in a row following a survey of more than 15 million passengers worldwide. For more information, log onto http://www.qatarairways.com/