As a member of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), a world-leading environmental research programme, the pledge unites Qatar’s national airline with industry leaders to drive the development and commercialisation of sustainable aviation biofuels.
DOHA, QATAR – Qatar Airways has signed a pledge to support the airline industry’s commitment to sustainable aviation fuels. As a member of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), a world-leading environmental research programme, the pledge unites Qatar’s national airline with industry leaders to drive the development and commercialisation of sustainable aviation biofuels.
As a global aviation operator, Qatar Airways will contribute its substantial sustainable aviation fuel knowledge and expertise to emerging industry programmes that are developing sustainable biofuels in an effort to achieve lower and more efficient greenhouse gas emissions.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Aviation will make a significant contribution to the global response to climate change, and Qatar Airways is contributing towards the development of local and international solutions. Our investment in flying fuel efficient aircraft and focus on optimising environmental performance across our modern fleet demonstrates our leadership in the continued pursuit for lower carbon air travel.
“Qatar Airways is represented on IATA’s most senior environmental committee, and together with our commitment to SAFUG, we are fully united with our aviation partners in our shared ambition to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment. It will take time and shared vision to advance the development, certification, and commercial use of sustainable aviation fuels and Qatar Airways has the ambition to meet this challenge and achieve change.”
Qatar Airways’ fuel optimisation programme is one example of how it is working towards the airline industry’s target to improve fuel efficiency by 1.5 per cent each year to 2020 and to deliver carbon neutral growth beyond this date. This initiative involves testing and implementing new methods to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions such as reducing aircraft weight; optimising route efficiency; and using only a single engine while taxiing from the runway.
A commitment to the SAFUG Pledge will see Qatar Airways’ experts working in partnership with governments and industry representatives in response to global climate change challenges, identifying research projects and sharing best practice and innovations into the development of lower carbon and renewable fuels derived from environmentally and socially sustainable sources.
Qatar Airways starts service to Birmingham with eight weekly Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights from Doha
Qatar Airways has inaugurated the airline’s fourth United Kingdom (U.K.) gateway, with direct flights between Doha and Birmingham, connecting the city with more than 150 destinations worldwide.
The inaugural flight touched down at sunrise on 30 March and was greeted by a traditional water salute, witnessed by a crowd of gathering media, while Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer Dr. Hugh Dunleavy, who travelled on board the inaugural flight with UK Ambassador to Qatar, His Excellency Mr. Ajay Sharma, were greeted at the arrival gate by Birmingham Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Paul Kehoe.
The addition of Birmingham marks the fourth U.K. gateway for Qatar Airways after London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh, with the eight weekly services operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “We are delighted to commence service to Birmingham, our fourth U.K gateway. This vibrant and economically powerful region represents an important addition to our worldwide network and is a testament to our commitment to the U.K. Passengers now have access to more than 150 global destinations, accessed via 73 flights per week from the U.K., facilitated by smooth transfers through our home and hub, Hamad International Airport.”
The British Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Mr Ajay Sharma said “I was delighted to be able to travel on the inaugural flight from Doha to Birmingham. The launch of this new route will open up further opportunities for both Qatar and the UK. Just like Doha, Birmingham and the surrounding area is host to a number of investment projects and tourist destinations that will appeal to investors and visitors. I am certain that this new route will successfully enhance the partnership between our two countries.”
Qatar Airways now operates 73 flights per week to the U.K., with 42 flights per week to London Heathrow, 16 to Manchester, seven to Edinburgh and eight to Birmingham, from its state-of-the-art hub, Hamad International Airport.
Hamad International Airport offers 40,000 square metres of combined retail, food and beverage facilities, establishing the airport as a premier shopping and dining destination. With more than 70 retail outlets offering an unprecedented selection of designer labels, high street fashion, electronics and gourmet foods, the airport also features an airside hotel, complete with swimming pool, squash courts and spa.
Birmingham Airport Chief Executive Officer, Paul Kehoe said: “We are extremely excited to be welcoming Qatar Airways to Birmingham Airport. Connecting the economically vibrant West Midlands region with the rapidly developing capital city of Doha will be hugely beneficial to passengers at both ends of the route. Additionally, the large selection of onward connections on Qatar’s network gives our long-haul travellers access to more of the most popular destinations around the world from Birmingham.”
The Birmingham route is operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in a two-cabin configuration, comprising of 22 seats in Business Class and 232 Economy Class seats. All seats include individual television screens, with Economy Class customers benefitting from a screen 10.6 inches wide, offering the latest inflight entertainment comprised of up to 3,000 options, complimented by the airline’s award-winning service.
Every seat has direct aisle access in Business Class, where passengers can catch up on sleep in a fully-flat bed or make productive use of their time utilising the large work surface area. Passengers can also stay connected while travelling with the option of Wi-Fi which is available throughout the aircraft.
Birmingham is the largest and most populous city in the U.K. outside of London and is situated in the West Midlands. The economy is largely dominated by the service sector and the city is an important transport, retail, events and conference hub. With eight flights a week, including two flights on a Saturday, Qatar Airways recognises the growth and demand represented by this important region in the U.K.
The West Midlands forms the largest concentration of businesses outside of London, boasting more than 34,000 companies including over 700 international firms. The city of Birmingham itself attracts nearly 34 million visitors a year for both business and leisure and is ideally situated at the centre of the U.K.’s rail and motorway network.
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