In a history-making year amplified by its role as the Official Airline Partner of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar Airways Group declared a solid financial year marked by stellar growth across all its divisions. The fiscal year 2022/23 annual report reflects the strategic efforts made by the airline to deliver world-class customer service and its resilience amidst a challenging global backdrop.
The airline’s exceptional performance during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ contributed significantly to its impressive results, which has set the bar high within the global aviation industry. The year was pivotal for the Group as they recorded a net profit of QAR 4.4 billion (US$ 1.21 billion), which speaks volumes about the efficient operations and strategic expansion the airline undertook.
With a comprehensive network and an emphasis on customer experience and sustainability, Qatar Airways elevated its service to a 45% rise in total revenue to QAR 76.3 billion (US$ 21.0 billion). The airline saw passenger revenue surge by a whopping 100% over the previous year, with a significant 31% capacity increase resulting in a high load factor of 80%. The sustained growth in market share was also attributed to a 71% surge in passenger numbers, with the airline carrying a record-breaking 31.7 million passengers.
The airline’s Privilege Club loyalty program also saw substantial expansion, introducing numerous global and local partnerships and an enhanced offering, all underscored by the adoption of Avios as its currency. Privilege Club members can access the airline’s wide-ranging services, including Qatar Duty-Free, Discover Qatar, Qatar Holidays, and many global brands.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s top air cargo carrier, maintained its dominant position throughout the fiscal year 2022/23. Despite market challenges, the cargo division continued its strategic growth focus on sustainability and digitalization, ensuring the smooth continuation of global trade.
The Group demonstrated its financial robustness by generating an impressive EBITDA Margin of 23% at QAR 17.8 billion (US$ 4.9 billion). This outstanding performance was primarily due to its agile and streamlined operations across all business areas, leading to a QAR 110 million (US$ 30.2 million) increase in EBITDA over the previous year.
Qatar Airways added to its impressive network of 160 destinations in 2022/23 by resuming operations in thirteen locations, including Amritsar, India; Beijing, China; Denpasar, Indonesia; Geneva, Switzerland; London Gatwick, UK; Luxor, Egypt; Nagpur, India; Perth, Australia; Qassim, Saudi Arabia; Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Shanghai, China; Taif, Saudi Arabia; and Windhoek, Namibia. The airline also introduced new routes to Dusseldorf, Germany, and Santorini, Greece, broadening its offering and enhancing global connectivity.
The airline’s pivotal role in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ set a remarkable precedent as it transported 1.4 million passengers to the globally acclaimed event. The tournament saw Qatar Airways operating around 14,000 flights, bringing fans from six continents to Qatar, bolstering media return and significantly boosting the brand’s social media engagement.
Hamad International Airport (HIA), the airline’s home base, began its Phase B expansion in January 2023, which aims to elevate its annual passenger capacity to 70 million. The airport maintained its strong reputation, securing the Second-Best Airport in the World, Best Airport Shopping, and Best Airport in the Middle East titles at the 2023 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
The Group’s partnership with the esteemed Paris Saint-Germain football club was elevated with a new Official Jersey Partner deal in June 2022. It also established collaborations with well-known global sports clubs such as FC Bayern München, Al Sadd SC, Qatar National Football team, Brooklyn Nets, and Sydney Swans, recently with the Formula 1® racing series and United Rugby Championship.
Qatar Executive, the Group’s VIP charter jet division, also reported considerable growth in commercial sales revenue and total live flying hours. The division also set a record number of arrivals and departures at the Doha International Airport QE Premium Terminal.
Discover Qatar, another Group entity, had a standout year, successfully delivering logistical arrangements and unforgettable tourist experiences during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, elevating Qatar’s tourism industry to new heights.
In conclusion, the fiscal year 2022/23 stands as a testament to the steadfast resilience and strategic growth of Qatar Airways Group. As the world recovers from the pandemic, Qatar Airways’ robust performance gives hope for the global aviation industry.
Written by: Bridget Gomez