Tag: Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has launched international arbitration seeking at least $5bn from four Arab countries as compensation for blocking it from their airspace and removing it from their markets.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have essentially banned the airline since June 2017 when they cut all ties with Qatar and imposed an air, land and sea blockade on it over accusations of supporting “terrorism”. Doha denies the charges outright and says the quartet aims to infringe on its sovereignty.

Qatar Airways said in a statement on Wednesday the measures specifically targeted the carrier with the aim of closing its operations in the four countries, destroying the value of its investments and causing widespread damage to its global operations.

“The decision by the blockading states to prevent Qatar Airways from operating in their countries and flying over their airspace is a clear breach of civil aviation conventions and several binding agreements they are signatories to,” Akbar al-Baker, Qatar Airways CEO, said.

“After more than three years of efforts to resolve the crisis amicably through dialogue yielded no results, we have taken the decision to issue Notices of Arbitration and pursue all legal remedies to protect our rights and secure full compensation for the violations,” he added.

“The blockading states must be held accountable for their illegal actions in the aviation sector, which includes a failure to comply with their obligations under bilateral agreements, multilateral agreements and international law.”

The airline said it was seeking damages through four investment arbitration under three treaties, including the Arab Investment Agreement.

The move comes after Qatar last week won a procedural dispute before the United Nations’ top court, which allowed the International Civil Aviation Organization to rule in a case Doha brought before it over the blockade.

Qatar welcomed the July 14 ruling by the International Court of Justice, saying it would lead the blockading countries to “face justice” for violating international aviation rules.

A number of efforts to end the crisis, mediated by Kuwait, have so far failed to resolve it.

Source: aljazeera.com

Qatar Airways (QT/QTR) is bringing in new rules for passengers that require Economy class passengers to wear a face shield in addition to a face covering.

The rules will not be extended to Business or First Class passengers who will simply be asked if they would like to wear a face shield.

The face shields will be supplied by Qatar Airways at check-in and economy class passengers will only be allowed to remove them during meal and drink services.

Qatar Airways says Business class passengers “are asked to wear their face shield and mask on board at their own discretion, as they enjoy more space and privacy”

All Passengers will also receive a complimentary “protective kit”, which includes a surgical face mask, disposable gloves and hand-sanitiser gel.

Qatar Airways adopting face shields takes it beyond the measure set by most airlines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “As the largest international airline flying consistently throughout the pandemic, we have become one of the most experienced in safety and hygiene. We will continue to lead the industry in terms of the services offered to our passengers so that they can travel with confidence.”

Source: laudbusiness.com

The CEO of Qatar Airways says he will be “very surprised” if travel demand recovers before 2023/2024.

Akbar al-Baker also warned that many business travellers may never return, having become used to working remotely.

The airline has continued to operate throughout the pandemic, maintaining services to around 30 destinations.

Before the pandemic outbreak, it served 165 destinations. It aims to fly to 80 destinations by the end of June.

Al-Baker told Reuters news agency that he predicts the airline will be able to fill between 50% and 60% of seats. He said Qatar Airways will encourage passengers to keep a safe distance while onboard.

The airline announced on Monday that it is giving away 100,000 free return flights to healthcare staff around the world.

Source: bbc.com

Qatar Airways has warned its employees of “substantial” redundancies as it struggles with a collapse in demand.

Its chief executive Akbar Al Baker wrote to staff warning of the job losses, although he did not say how many were under threat.

Qatar Airways said it needed to “act decisively to protect the future of the business”.

The airline industry is facing one of its toughest ever periods, with many carriers on the brink of collapse.

“The truth is, we simply cannot sustain the current staff numbers and will need to make a substantial number of jobs redundant – inclusive of cabin crew,” Mr Al Baker wrote in an internal memo.

The state-owned airline employs more than 45,000 people and has a fleet of more than 240 planes. In February, Qatar Airways increased its stake in British Airways owner IAG to 25% as part of its strategy to invest in other carriers.

“The unparalleled impact on our industry has caused significant challenges for all airlines and we must act decisively to protect the future of our business,” a Qatar Airways spokesman said.

“As a result, Qatar Airways can confirm that the airline will make a number of roles redundant due to the impact of Covid-19.”

Airline trade body, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), warned last month that air traffic in the Middle East and North Africa would plummet by more than half this year.

IATA also warned that most airlines would struggle to make a profit if social distancing measures were introduced, such as keeping middle seats empty.

On Tuesday, Virgin Atlantic said it would be cutting 3,000 jobs and quitting its operations at Gatwick airport.

Source: bbc.com