Other airlines dress this up as “premium economy” and overcharge the customer
for the privilege. But perhaps our greatest hedge against global economic
uncertainty is our cost discipline.
In recent years, we examined every part of our operation, every line of our
financial records, and every practice and policy in our business to seek out
waste and streamline our business. While the majority of our cost reduction
is attributable to the reduction in fuel cost, we have built into our culture a
strong checks-and-balances system to examine our spend. We spend wisely,
in improving our product and offerings, and thoughtfully, but always with an
objective assessment of what value that cost brings to our company.
Qatar Airways has long been the fastest growing airline in the history of aviation.
Our growth rate (CAGR) in ASK term since the relaunch in 1997 to 31 March 2016
is 28 per cent. We will continue to grow fast while growing smartly, growing
revenue while reducing costs, and keeping our focus on the customers’ needs.
Next year, we will celebrate our first 20 years as Qatar Airways Group. I trust our
next 20 years will produce even greater results.
Thank you for your support of Qatar Airways and our family of brands. We look
forward to welcoming you on board very soon.
AKBAR AL BAKER
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive