Qatar Airways conducts its 12th Annual Disabled Aircraft Recovery Exercise at Doha International Airport

Qatar Airways has held its 12th annual simulated Disabled Aircraft Recovery (QDAR) Exercise on a grounded Airbus A340-600 aircraft using the airline’s state-of-the-art Aircraft Recovery Kit, at Doha International Airport from 28 February to 4 March 2021.

The award-winning airline is the only airline in the Middle East and Africa to operate the equipment, and one of just 12 International Airlines Technical Pool (IATP) member global airlines to operate the kit which is capable of lifting the equivalent weight of up to Airbus A380, one of the largest commercial passenger aircraft in existence. Manufactured by Dutch rescue and recovery equipment provider, Resqtec, the innovative Aircraft Recovery Kit complies with ICAO IATA rules and regulations and uses a complex system of airbags, slings and jacks to winch a disabled aircraft to safety following an emergency inscident.

The Qatar Airways kit has already been used in one regional aircraft recovery to date and annual simulation exercise ensures that the skillset of the QDAR team, which is primarily made up of members of the airline’s Technical department and ground services subsidiary, Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) remain current in the event of a crisis.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is at the forefront of enhancing global aviation safety with our commitment to investing in the highest standards of recovery equipment and comprehensive training for industry professionals.

“As the only airline to own and operate an Aircraft Recovery Kit in the Middle East and Africa regions within IATP group, this innovative technology is an asset not only for Qatar Airways and the entire commercial aviation industry throughout the region and beyond.”

Qatar Airways has become the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. This follows HIA’s recent success as the first and only airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating. These recognitions provide assurance to passengers across the world that airline health and safety standards are subject to the highest possible standards of professional, independent scrutiny and assessment. For full details of all the measures that have been implemented onboard and in HIA, please visit qatarairways.com/safety. 

The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 130 destinations. With more frequencies being added to key hubs, Qatar Airways offers unrivalled connectivity to passengers, making it easy for them to travel when they need to.

Passengers can book flights with peace of mind, knowing that Qatar Airways offers unlimited date changes and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued before 30 April 2021, for travel completed by 31 December 2021. The carrier’s industry-leading flexible booking policy also provides the permanent feature of exchanging tickets for a travel voucher with 10% additional value for all customers booking travel via qatarairways.com. For full terms and conditions visit qatarairways.com/Flexibility.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite. Qsuite is available on flights to more than 45 destinations including Johannesburg, London, New York and Singapore.

Qatar Airways is the only airline to have been awarded the coveted ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ title, which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, five times. In addition to this, Qatar Airways home and hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) was ranked the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ and ‘Third Best Airport in the World’ by the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2020.