Qatar Airways welcomes the signature of the Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement between the State of Qatar and the European Union and its Member States

• The State of Qatar is the first partner with whom the European Commission launched negotiations following the adoption of the Aviation Strategy for Europe (2015) – it is also the first State to cross the finish line
• This is the first Aviation Agreement between the EU and a GCC Member State

DOHA, Qatar, 2021-Oct-26 — /Travel PR News/ — The State of Qatar and the European Union signed a landmark Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement in Luxembourg on 18 October 2021, an Aviation Agreement that will ensure the highest level of safety and security, while enhancing connectivity and freedom of movement for travellers.

The Aviation Agreement was signed by the Minister of Transport of the State of Qatar, H.E. Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia H.E. Anže Logar, whose country is currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission, H.E. Josep Borrell.

The State of Qatar and the EU Member States are strategic partners, and the relationship between both parties has been much closer since June 2016, after the European Commission obtained authorisation from the EU Council to negotiate this Aviation Agreement. Delegates from Qatar and the European Commission started negotiations in September 2016 and met for five formal rounds of negotiations, with the conclusion of such negotiations announced during the CAPA Qatar Aviation Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit held in Doha on 5-6 February 2019. Subsequently, the Aviation Agreement was initialed by both parties in Brussels on 04 March 2019 in a ceremony attended by senior officials of the European Commission, EU Member States, major European airlines, and key aviation industry associations and specialised agencies.

Qatar Airways welcomes an Aviation Agreement with our European partners, which is far more relevant and modern than any other related to air transport.

This Aviation Agreement represents the new global benchmark for aviation agreements, providing a single set of rules, high standards and a platform for future cooperation on a wide range of aviation issues, such as safety, security, environment, competition, consumer protection, social matters, and air traffic management.

Environment is noted as a key highlight of the Agreement, recognising the importance of working together, to consider and minimise the effects of aviation on the environment.

Qatar Airways, as one of the primary customers of this Aviation Agreement, has already taken bold steps to move forward with several initiatives to address climate change – one of the most pressing topics within the European Union. Qatar Airways, in addition to embracing the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) commitments to carbon-neutral growth beginning in 2020 with further annual emissions reduction targets, is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning with the European Green Deal.

As World’s Best Airline, Qatar Airways has a strong commitment to excellence in all its business operations. Qatar Airways is the first airline in the Middle East to achieve the highest level of IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification. It became the first carrier in Middle East to join the ICAO Global Coalition for Sustainable Aviation, reaffirming its commitment to work together with the relevant industry stakeholders, and the IATA Turbulence Aware data exchange platform, ensuring a smoother journey in the air with a lower fuel burn. Both Qatar Airways and Qatar Executive are not only compliant with ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), but they are also compliant with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).  Currently, Qatar Airways is working closely with Germany and France environmental agencies that are responsible for its region.

Qatar’s Minister of Transport, H.E. Mr. Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, said: “the Agreement is a testimony to Qatar’s notable profile in air transportation and that the national carrier has such an active role around the world.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are very glad that the European Union and its Member States have continued to recognise and understand the value our Aviation Agreement brings to their economies.

The signature of this historic Aviation Agreement will bring together industry stakeholders, creating new opportunities for synergies to develop the aviation sector. Based on what we have achieved in the past, I am convinced that Qatar Airways will continue to play an ever-increasing role in the further development of the European air transport industry.

As a leading airline, we understand the importance of meeting the targets as set in the European Green Deal and we will continually work together to achieve the climate neutrality goals.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia H.E. Anže Logar, said: “The agreement is a crowning achievement of years and years of negotiations. Qatar is an important partner of the EU and this agreement represents the continuation of our close cooperation”

Commissioner for Mobility and Transport, Adina Vălean said: “This agreement, the first one between the EU and the Gulf region, is a global benchmark for forward-looking aviation agreements. It is testimony to our shared commitment to economically, socially and environmentally sustainable aviation, based on a modern framework covering fair competition and closer cooperation on social and environmental matters. This agreement will bring new opportunities, more choice and higher standards for passengers, industry and aviation workers.”

Notes to Editors:

About Qatar Airways: 

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was recently announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. The airline continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).

Hamad International Airport (HIA), the airline’s home and hub, was recently announced as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ in the Skytrax 2021 World Airport Awards. HIA has been steadily rising in the ‘World’s Best Airports’ rankings since the start of its operations in 2014.

Qsuite, a patented Qatar Airways product, features the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class, as well as privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room, a first of its kind in the industry.

Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 160 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.

Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, B777, A350, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.

Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways, the official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message – Going Places Together.

Qatar Airways Cargo, one of the world’s leading international air cargo carriers, serves more than 60 freighter destinations worldwide via its world-class Doha hub and also delivers freight in the belly-hold deck of passenger aircraft to an extensive network. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters and six B777-300ER mini freighters.

Qatar Executive is the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group. Luxury jet services are available for worldwide charter on board the operator’s wholly-owned business jet fleet. Qatar Executive is the launch customer for Gulfstream’s G700, the world’s first commercial service operator of the Gulfstream G500 and largest commercial operator of the G650ER worldwide. Qatar Executive’s service portfolio also includes aircraft management, maintenance and Fixed Based Operator services.

For further information, please contact:

Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 4022 2200
Email:  qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa

Source: Qatar Airways

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