Qatar Airways emerges as top MidEast airline at Skytrax awards

In this year''s World Airline Awards, the carrier won three awards including Best First Class in the world. The awards given by Skytrax, an independent aviation industry-monitoring agency is based on an annual survey of about 15 million international travellers from 90 countries.

According to Skytrax chief executive Edward Plaisted, the 2007 survey was the longest and biggest ever, with the most number of respondents.

Besides being recognized as having the best first class in the world, Qatar Airways was named Best Airline in the Middle East for the second time. Its cabin crew was also honoured as the Best Cabin Staff in the Middle East for the fifth consecutive year.

The carrier''s global ranking also rose as it was included in the top five airlines in the world, standing fourth.

Earlier this year, Qatar Airways was also given a Five Star award by Skytrax for excellence and service quality. Only five carriers in the world have been selected in the five-star level.

Qatar''s first class facilities include a 180-degree flat bed on its long-range A330s and A340s. Its A340s also feature a unique first class lounge where passengers can relax at 35,000 feet.