By RaceScene Publisher on Saturday, 25 February 2023
Category: Paddock Magazine

Qatar Airways becomes the Official Airline of Formula 1

Qatar Airways, the World’s Best Airline, is now the Global Partner and Official Airline of Formula 1(F1), the pinnacle of motorsport and the world’s most technologically-advanced racing series. The airline and F1 will be partners through the 2027 season, bringing thrills and exciting speeds to fans globally.

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Today, the leading global airline announced an expansion of its sports partnership portfolio at a captivating event that brought astounding entertainment and special appearances to Doha. In addition to the global partnership, Qatar Airways will be the Title Sponsor of three Grands Prix this year: The Qatar Airways Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (19-21 May), the Qatar Airways Hungarian Grand Prix (21-23 July), and the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix (6-8 October).

This season, Formula 1 boasts its most global racing calendar with 23 races across 21 countries and five continents, mirroring the motorsport’s rapidly growing footprint worldwide and the extensive global connectivity offered by the Qatar Airways oneworld Alliance, which serves over 150 countries.

To commemorate this partnership, Qatar Airways hosted a special evening for the public at Doha’s iconic Lusail Boulevard to mark the F1 announcement and raise awareness about all the motorsport events in Qatar this year. H.E. Minister of Sports and Youth, Mr Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali inaugurated the official partnership with QMMF’s President, Mr Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, and MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

The event featured a special appearance from the Qatari rally champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, former Red Bull Formula 1 driver David Coulthard, KTM MotoGP rider Dani Pedrosa, stunt rider Mike Jensen, a Red Bull drift car driven by Abdo Feghali and a static display of an FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar. Spectators were also treated to a dazzling performance by the best-selling R&B artist Akon.

For only the second time in history, motorsport fanatics will have the chance to watch their favourite teams and drivers push their cars to the limit at the Lusail International Circuit when F1 heads back to Qatar for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix on 6-8 October 2023.

In addition to the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023, the Lusail International Circuit will host the Qatar Moto GP on 17-19 November. Other motorsport events in Qatar include the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar in October 2023 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) World Endurance Championship in 2024.

To celebrate this partnership, Discover Qatar, the Destination Management Company of Qatar Airways, are the first to offer tickets to the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2023. Today, Discover Qatar has exclusively launched a comprehensive range of hotel and ticket-inclusive packages to their global retail partners, which include Grandstand and prestigious Paddock Club tickets. All packages include a free entry pass to the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar in Doha from 5-14 October, courtesy of Qatar Tourism.

Qatar Airways Holidays further elevates the partnership with a limited number of all-inclusive travel packages, allowing global fans worldwide to attend the event and partake in exclusive experiences such as pit lane walks, guided track tours and access to special events with appearances by top F1 drivers. The Ultimate F1 Experience packages include return flights with Qatar Airways, premium hotel options, race tickets and other exciting experiences and benefits.

Qatar Airways and F1 are committed to working together to reduce the environmental impact of their respective industries through responsible practices. As part of the partnership, both entities aim to collaborate on sustainability-focused initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and strive for a greener future.

Qatar Airways, as a brand, is committed to supporting global sports, helping fans travel to their favourite events wherever they may be. The airline is a leading global football supporter, with partnerships including FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Bayern, Concacaf and CONMEBOL. Qatar Airways is also the official airline of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Series, the Official Airline Partner of the United Rugby Championship (URC), Global Kitesports Association, and multiple other disciplines, including equestrianism, padel, squash and tennis.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2022 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 stands alone at the top of the industry, having won the main prize for an unprecedented seventh time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022).

The airline flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, voted by Skytrax as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ 2022.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was recently announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2022 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.  The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, having won the main prize for an unprecedented seventh time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022) while also being named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

Qatar Airways flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named the ‘Best Airport in the World” by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022.

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said:

As the pinnacle of motorsport, it makes sense for Formula 1 to partner with a global leader in aviation like Qatar Airways. We are two brands committed to delivering the best experience to our fans and customers, and our combined global reach makes this a perfect match. We also share a passion for technology and innovation, particularly as we all work together for a greener future. We are delighted to welcome Qatar Airways as our Global Airline Partner.

His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said:

The best partnerships thrive because of mutual values. Qatar Airways and Formula 1 are passionate about innovation, precision, and luxury. As a brand, we believe in the power of sports to unite people. Therefore, we have been selective in picking the most thrilling sporting events and sponsoring various new and prominent sporting initiatives.

With 23 stops on the 2023 circuit, F1 is a global sport, requiring a Global Airline Partner that offers extensive global connectivity. Hence, Qatar Airways is the perfect companion for one of the most sought-after motorsports worldwide.

The post Qatar Airways becomes the Official Airline of Formula 1 appeared first on Paddock Magazine.

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