Qatar Airways is the only airline globally with a 5-Star rating from Skytrax in four categories: Best Airline Rating, Airline COVID-19 Safety Rating, Best Airport Rating, and Airport COVID-19 Safety Rating.
With four 5-star awards from Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization, Qatar Airways tops the aviation industry in COVID-19 hygiene safety and service quality. Hamad International Airport (HIA) was just named Airport of the Year 2021. Qatar Airways is the only airline globally with a 5-Star rating from Skytrax in four categories: Best Airline Rating, Airline COVID-19 Safety Rating, Best Airport Rating, and Airport COVID-19 Safety Rating.
Skytrax conducted a thorough audit in December 2020 to evaluate the airline's COVID-19 hygiene and safety requirements from flight check-in through onboard the aircraft. This includes a thorough examination of procedural efficiency checks, visual inspections of hygiene and safety levels at all stages of the passenger journey. Onboard Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) sample tests were taken to determine the possible degree of contamination of touch surfaces.
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Speaking to the media, Jared Lee, Qatar Airways' Vice President of Sales for South East Asia and South Asia Subcontinent, stated that the company is honoured to have received repeated Skytrax 5-Star ratings for both Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport. They have taken strict precautions to keep our passengers and workers safe since the initial outbreak of COVID-19, and these awards are a testimonial to our efforts. Operating during the pandemic has also provided Qatar Airways with the skills and experience necessary to adopt the most acceptable onboard hygiene procedures utilizing cutting-edge technology. He added they aspire to be the best in every area and will continue to deliver outstanding service, depending on the circumstances.
According to Qatar Airways, its aircraft have a sophisticated air filtration system with industrial-size HEPA filters that remove 99.97 per cent of viral and bacterial pollutants from re-circulated air, offering the most efficient infection prevention. Qatar Airways will also be the first airline to use cutting-edge technology to launch the Honeywell Ultraviolet Cabin System in September 2020 for optimal in-flight sanitization.
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Qatar Airways was also the first Middle Eastern carrier to trial the IATA Travel Pass Digital Passport mobile app in March 2021. It organized the world's first fully vaccinated flight in early April 2021, with the airline's ground staff, operating crew, and passengers all receiving complete vaccinations.
The official carrier of the State of Qatar is still expanding its network, which already includes over 140 destinations. The State of Qatar is now available to fully vaccinated tourists who have a negative COVID-19 PCR test 48 hours before their flight.