Global Traveler: Qatar Airways has had a massive expansion all over the world, and now the United States. How do you plan to attract American travelers?

Akbar al Baker: Qatar Airways’ biggest attraction to the American traveler is our 5-star, award-winning service — something no other carrier from the Middle East can claim. We’ve highlighted this through our eye-catching advertising and marketing, and we’ve recently given the American public the opportunity to experience our 5-star service first-hand. From our star-studded gala dinners at the New York and Washington, D.C., launches to our heavy presence at the major National Business Travel Association show, Qatar Airways is making a big impression with travel and trade professionals and business and leisure passengers across the United States.

GT: Please tell our readers about your first- and business-class service in the air and on the ground.

AB: In November 2006, Qatar Airways achieved a world first in luxury and 5-star service when it opened the world’s only dedicated first- and business-class terminal in Doha. The Premium Terminal features facilities that include exclusive check-in, duty-free shopping, conference rooms, nursery and play areas, spa treatments, saunas, Jacuzzis and gourmet cuisine. In the air, our first- and business-class passengers can fly in true luxury aboard our A340-600 aircraft, which feature premium cabin lounges, exceptional service levels and the highest degree of comfort.

GT: There has been great growth in Doha, the capital of Qatar, including new hotels and plans for a new airport. Please update our readers on this subject.

AB: From luxury 5-star hotels and prestigious resorts to international sporting facilities, a number of multibillion-dollar projects are underway in Doha — all with the aim of turning
Qatar into a high-quality tourist destination. Qatar Airways is excited to be a forerunner in the race to redevelop the region’s future aviation hub. Work began on the New Doha International Airport in January 2005, and the $5.5-billion project will be completed in three phases with the first scheduled to open in 2009. The NDIA will have 80 contact gates, including 269,000 square feet devoted to retail space, luxurious business- and first-class lounges, and multi-story parking facilities.

GT: Please tell us about your career at Qatar Airways and in the travel and tourism sector.

AB: I was appointed CEO of Qatar Airways in 1997, but I have had a successful career as a businessman in Doha for the past 25 years. I was formerly chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, and during my time there had the opportunity to play an instrumental role in putting Qatar on the global tourism map.