In a dazzling celebration of its 15-year journey in Australia, Qatar Airways hosted a grand gala at Melbourne’s Park Hyatt Hotel. Since commencing its Australian operations in 2009, the airline has become an influential player in Australian aviation and the broader global travel landscape.
An Unforgettable Evening in Melbourne
The celebration at the Park Hyatt was nothing short of extraordinary, as Qatar Airways rolled out a one-of-a-kind anniversary menu showcasing some of Australia’s most cherished flavours and locally sourced ingredients. This exclusive menu, available on board Qatar Airways’ Business Class from October 1 to December 15, 2024, was crafted to honour Australian and Qatari culinary excellence. For attendees, it was a taste of the premium experience Qatar Airways brings to its passengers across continents.
Highlighting the event, Qatar Airways Senior Vice President for International Sales, Paul Starrs, spoke to the commitment that has defined the airline’s role in Australia. “We are deeply committed to the Australian market,” he said. “The past 15 years have been an incredible journey for us in the country, and we’ve been proud to support Australian businesses, charities, and sporting events. This gala allowed us to celebrate with those who have made this milestone possible.”
From Melbourne to the World: Expanding Network and Partnerships
Since launching its Melbourne-Doha route in 2009, Qatar Airways has expanded its network to serve five major Australian cities, including Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. The airline provides 42 weekly flights to destinations worldwide. With each new city added, the airline’s commitment to seamless, luxurious travel has remained at the forefront, aligning with the needs of the Australian market while boosting international travel options.
Qatar Airways’ growing reach has facilitated convenient travel and led to enduring partnerships with local institutions and brands. Among its most notable partnerships is with the Sydney Swans, marking an eight-year relationship that underscores the airline’s dedication to Australian sports. Additionally, the airline has supported various Australian causes, from the Good Friday Appeal to high-profile sporting events like the Formula One Australian Grand Prix and MotoGP.
Looking ahead, Qatar Airways is set to strengthen its ties to Australian sports as the official title partner of the British & Irish Lions Tour, arriving in June 2025. This partnership further demonstrates the airline’s integration into Australia’s social and sporting fabric.
Global Recognition and Excellence
In a testament to its unwavering commitment to service excellence, Qatar Airways has consistently received top honours on the global stage. For the eleventh consecutive time, the airline was awarded “World’s Best Business Class” and secured the title of “World’s Best Airline” for a record-breaking eighth time in 2024 by Skytrax, a globally recognized leader in airline and airport ratings. The airline’s world-class offerings, including the award-winning Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport in Doha, have set new standards in luxury travel.
Qatar Airways connects travellers from Australia to over 170 destinations through Hamad International Airport. The airline has facilitated travel to 49 destinations in Europe, 29 in Africa, 33 across the Middle East, and 13 in North and South America. Each flight embodies the standard of excellence that has become synonymous with Qatar Airways, ensuring that passengers enjoy a journey marked by comfort and elegance.
Support for Australia During Challenging Times
Qatar Airways’ dedication to the Australian market was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when global travel came to a near halt, Qatar Airways continued to operate daily flights between Sydney, Melbourne, and Doha, repatriating over 180,000 passengers to and from Australia. Most recently, the airline collaborated with the Australian government to operate a repatriation flight from Cyprus, further underscoring its readiness to support Australians in times of need.
This resilience and commitment have forged a lasting bond between Qatar Airways and its Australian passengers, a bond celebrated with gratitude during the 15th-anniversary event in Melbourne.
Setting New Standards in Australian Air Travel
As Qatar Airways looks to the future, its commitment to the Australian market remains steadfast. The airline’s emphasis on innovative travel, exceptional customer service, and strategic partnerships in Australia has made it a preferred choice among travellers. Whether for business or leisure, Australians have come to rely on Qatar Airways for its seamless global connections, luxurious in-flight experiences, and dedication to supporting local causes and communities.
With 15 years already celebrated, Qatar Airways continues to look forward, setting new standards in Australian aviation and promising many more years of exceptional service. From expanding routes to enhancing passenger experiences, the airline’s commitment to quality and excellence reaffirms its place as a critical player in the aviation industry in Australia and worldwide.
This anniversary is a milestone for Qatar Airways and a testament to the power of connectivity, resilience, and dedication in international travel.
Written by: Octavia Koo
