Qatar Airways has been putting in great work to repatriate people around the world amid the global health crisis this year. Today, the flag carrier of Qatar announced that as part of these efforts, it brought home more than 150,000 marine workers.
Crucial operations
According to a press release seen by Simple Flying, Qatar Airways has been working closely with governments and the maritime industry to conduct hundreds of chartered and scheduled flights in its seafarer repatriation missions. Moreover, the airline seeks to provide a welcoming experience. Therefore it recently implemented a dedicated Mariner Lounge at its base of Hamad International Airport. At this lounge, the passengers can enjoy amenities such as refreshments and high-speed WiFi while they wait for their connecting flight.
Extra efforts
Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker spoke about the company’s efforts during this challenging period. He highlighted how the firm had put extra measures in place to enable smoother travel.
“Qatar Airways recognises the vital role shipping plays and how seafarers are essential to keeping the global economy open and operating. As a gesture of our thanks and to show our support to the industry, we have established a dedicated Mariner Lounge at Hamad International Airport that is complimentary for all seafarers and offshore workers travelling with Qatar Airways. While waiting for their connecting flight they can relax in comfort and enjoy the wide variety of refreshments on offer,” Al Baker said in the release.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have worked closely with governments and the maritime industry to operate as many flights as possible to facilitate crew changes and to reunite seafarers with their families and loved ones.”
The executive highlighted that while many airlines stopped flying, his carrier pledges to remain open for companies to facilitate essential business travel. The operator has plans to further expand its network to over 125 destinations. With this approach, it will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to keep seafarers and the economy moving.
Across the continents
Notably, Qatar Airways’ repatriation efforts have seen it fly to many airports not previously served by the airline. New destinations include the following:
- Abidjan, Ivory Coast
- Bridgetown, Barbados
- Lomé, Togo
- Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
- Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Moreover, important seafarer locations that the carrier has served include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Oslo, Sao Paulo, Seoul, and Singapore. Meanwhile, it established scheduled services to Cebu and Clark in the Philippines.
Altogether, these operations are undoubtedly valuable to those that are struggling to find a suitable route home amid the ongoing travel restrictions. Nonetheless, Qatar Airways shows no intention of stopping these vital services during this difficult climate.
What are your thoughts about Qatar Airways repatriating over 150,000 seafarers during the pandemic? Are you impressed with the carrier’s efforts this year? Let us know what you think of the services in the comment section.