Aviation360 MEA

The Official Airline Partner of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has released its report, attributing the positive outcomes to its successful strategy.

During the fiscal year 2022/23, Qatar Airways Group achieved a net profit of QAR 4.4 billion (US$ 1.21 billion), with overall revenue reaching QAR 76.3 billion (US$ 21.0 billion), representing a 45 percent increase compared to the previous year. The airline experienced a remarkable 100 percent growth in passenger revenue, driven by a 31 percent increase in capacity, a nine percent rise in yields, and an 80 percent load factor – both of which mark the airline’s highest figures ever. This led to a sustainable increase in market share, with Qatar Airways carrying 31.7 million passengers, a significant 71 percent increase over the previous year. The airline’s success is attributed to its continuous focus on customer experience, loyalty, digitalization, and sustainability, positioning Qatar Airways strongly for the future.

The Qatar Airways loyalty program, Privilege Club, also achieved substantial growth through various new global and local partnerships, an improved proposition, and increased revenues, partly supported by the adoption of Avios as its currency. Privilege Club members now have the convenience of using Avios currency for payments in Qatar Duty Free, Discover Qatar, and Qatar Holidays, along with other leading global brands.

Qatar Airways Cargo maintained its status as the world’s leading air cargo carrier throughout the 2022/23 financial year, prioritizing growth, sustainability, and digitalization, thus ensuring the continuity of global trade despite facing ongoing market challenges.

The Group achieved a robust EBITDA Margin of 23 percent, amounting to QAR 17.8 billion (US$ 4.9 billion). This result was an improvement of QAR 110 million (US$ 30.2 million) compared to the previous year, mainly due to streamlined, agile, and efficient operations across all business areas. These positive financial results reflect the expansion of Qatar Airways’ passenger and cargo networks and the airline’s commitment to fostering customer and trade loyalty, product excellence, and cost control.

As the national carrier of the State of Qatar, Qatar Airways showcased its agility during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ by transporting 1.4 million passengers to the highly successful event across its network. In the 2022/23 period, the airline expanded its network to over 160 destinations. Notably, Qatar Airways resumed operations to thirteen destinations, including Amritsar, India; Beijing, China; Denpasar, Indonesia; Geneva, Switzerland; London Gatwick, UK; Luxor, Egypt; Nagpur, India; Perth, Australia; Qassim, Saudi Arabia; Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Shanghai, China; Taif, Saudi Arabia; and Windhoek, Namibia. Furthermore, in 2022/23, the airline inaugurated two new routes to Dusseldorf, Germany, and Santorini, Greece, providing passengers with increased travel options and enhanced connectivity.

Saad Bin Sharida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy and Qatar Airways Group Chairman, expressed delight in Qatar Airways Group’s impressive annual performance. The transportation sector of Qatar symbolizes interconnectivity, bringing people together from around the world and fostering business connections within the region. Qatar took immense pride in hosting fans from all corners of the globe during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, delivering a truly exceptional event and setting unmatched standards for tournament security, safety, and a family-friendly destination.

The Group’s chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, attributed the strong financial results to the robust recovery in passenger demand and the team’s ability to meet it, aided by continuous network growth, market leadership, and operational efficiencies. The airline experienced a significant 100 percent increase in passenger revenues during the past year, with load factors exceeding 80 percent and the highest yield levels in its history. Amid the global travel recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar Airways maintained a high level of trust, reliability, and confidence with its customers, retaining its position as the preferred airline for millions of passengers worldwide. Notably, the airline carried 31.7 million passengers, marking an impressive 71 percent increase compared to the previous year.

As FIFA’s Official Partner and Official Airline Partner of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Group remained committed to uniting people through the power of sport throughout the 2022/23 fiscal period. During the tournament, Qatar Airways operated approximately 14,000 flights, facilitating the travel of over 1.4 million fans from all six continents to Qatar for the greatest sporting show on Earth. The tournament engaged an astounding five billion fans, resulting in a substantial media return on investment for the Qatar Airways brand, surpassing the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia by over 63 percent in media returns. Social media engagement during the event also led to an increase of more than 83 percent in followers.

Located conveniently within a six-hour flight from over 80 percent of the world’s population, Hamad International Airport (HIA) proved ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The Phase B expansion of Hamad International Airport, which commenced in January 2023, is expected to increase the airport’s capacity to 70 million passengers annually. HIA received accolades at the 2023 Skytrax World Airport Awards, ranking as the Second-Best Airport in the World and the World Best Airport Shopping. Additionally, HIA secured the title of Best Airport in the Middle East for the ninth consecutive time.

Qatar Airways further strengthened its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain by becoming their Official Jersey Partner for the star-studded French football champions starting from the 2022/23 season, in addition to being their Official Airline Partner since 2020. The airline also maintained partnerships with other renowned global sporting clubs, including FC Bayern München, Al Sadd SC, the Qatar National Football team, Brooklyn Nets, and the Sydney Swans. Recently, Qatar Airways Group became the Global Airline Partner of the Formula 1 racing series, entering into a five-year partnership that includes brand presence at 21 races and title sponsorship of two races annually, including the F1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix Qatar 2023. Additionally, Qatar Airways became the official airline partner of the premier United Rugby Championship and European Professional Club Rugby competitions, facilitating travel between key markets in Western Europe and South Africa. The airline also formed a partnership with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, one of the Indian Premier League’s leading cricket teams, becoming their official front-of-jersey partner.

Qatar Executive (QE), the VIP charter jet division of Qatar Airways, experienced remarkable growth year-over-year, reflected in increased commercial sales revenue, total flying hours, fleet expansion, enhanced passenger service, and a record number of arrivals and departures at the Doha International Airport QE Premium Terminal.