best Airlines 2011
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I have flown with 5 of the 10 listed airlines over the last few years and thought the results fair and indicative. As far as I know, Skytrax results are based on surveys so while the order of some of the airlines may be questionable, all 10 on the list probably deserve to me there.
While I don't like what I hear about the working environment at Qatar Airways, as a passenger I honestly cannot rate their service quality as anything less than excellent. While I question whether they are anywhere close to running a commercially sustainable airline model and whether the Qataris are simply running anything more than the ultimate in model railroad hobby sets (as opposed to a "real" and logical business), lets give some credit where credit is due here-- namely to the front-line employees who work very hard (beit under the threat of carrot or stick) to provide a top quality product.
Because of this, as a passenger and all things being equal, I would prefer travel on QR over a number of other choices.
P.S. Turkish is also on a good path towards 5-star status. Really good quality product and network. And of course, me love Thai Airways long time. _/\_
While I don't like what I hear about the working environment at Qatar Airways, as a passenger I honestly cannot rate their service quality as anything less than excellent. While I question whether they are anywhere close to running a commercially sustainable airline model and whether the Qataris are simply running anything more than the ultimate in model railroad hobby sets (as opposed to a "real" and logical business), lets give some credit where credit is due here-- namely to the front-line employees who work very hard (beit under the threat of carrot or stick) to provide a top quality product.
Because of this, as a passenger and all things being equal, I would prefer travel on QR over a number of other choices.
P.S. Turkish is also on a good path towards 5-star status. Really good quality product and network. And of course, me love Thai Airways long time. _/\_
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ewok69, why such a hate of QR? and why telling lies?
150 applicants from QR to EK per week, it is not even realistic.
The business model is far from being poor, their strategy is probably one of the best, look at Qatar Airways' Al Baker on Growth Outlook, IPO - Video - Bloomberg
No profit in 15 years?? again that's not true, QR made huge profit for at least the last 2 years and will go IPO soon, check UPDATE 2-Qatar Airways may go public in 2011 | Reuters
The worst employer as you said just gave a 20% pay rise 20%!!! And when QR won the best airline of the year award, Mr AAB doesn't forgot to thanks his staff: “It is extremely gratifying to be recognised as “Airline of the Year”, which takes into account the outstanding efforts and hard work of all our employees, as we continuously aim to exceed the expectations of our customers". (from Qatar Airways website). I'd like to hear the same from FR CEO!
Expand, expand, expand, so do QR and it has not affected his top quality service.
Anyway, shall EK pilot be jealous of QR for the awards, the pay rise, and just for seeing an other airline catching up their own? No, you should see it this way, if QR T&Cs go up it will force EK T&Cs to go up and vice versa! And at the end of the day, we (the pilots) will benefit of this competition.
We all know that QR is not perfect and EK is the best career airline for pilots in the Middle East.
I am sad to see pprune drifting more and more in hate, criticism and even racism some time.
We have all been through those tough interview where the assessors are looking for open minded, honest and respectful candidates. Why do we loose all those quality when we log onto pprune?
Let's give the good info, help each other and try to improve the T&Cs for the pilot community.
United we stand
thunderbird
150 applicants from QR to EK per week, it is not even realistic.
The business model is far from being poor, their strategy is probably one of the best, look at Qatar Airways' Al Baker on Growth Outlook, IPO - Video - Bloomberg
No profit in 15 years?? again that's not true, QR made huge profit for at least the last 2 years and will go IPO soon, check UPDATE 2-Qatar Airways may go public in 2011 | Reuters
The worst employer as you said just gave a 20% pay rise 20%!!! And when QR won the best airline of the year award, Mr AAB doesn't forgot to thanks his staff: “It is extremely gratifying to be recognised as “Airline of the Year”, which takes into account the outstanding efforts and hard work of all our employees, as we continuously aim to exceed the expectations of our customers". (from Qatar Airways website). I'd like to hear the same from FR CEO!
Expand, expand, expand, so do QR and it has not affected his top quality service.
Anyway, shall EK pilot be jealous of QR for the awards, the pay rise, and just for seeing an other airline catching up their own? No, you should see it this way, if QR T&Cs go up it will force EK T&Cs to go up and vice versa! And at the end of the day, we (the pilots) will benefit of this competition.
We all know that QR is not perfect and EK is the best career airline for pilots in the Middle East.
I am sad to see pprune drifting more and more in hate, criticism and even racism some time.
We have all been through those tough interview where the assessors are looking for open minded, honest and respectful candidates. Why do we loose all those quality when we log onto pprune?
Let's give the good info, help each other and try to improve the T&Cs for the pilot community.
United we stand
thunderbird
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Apologies for the thread creep back to the topic. Had the distinct pleasure of experiencing Singapore Airlines and Changi airport last week. Sorry to say but SIA and Changi make ETD/UAE/QTR look like Greyhound.
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thunderbird-1
I have my serious doubts whether Qatar Airways, or even Emirates is profitable and commercially sustainable.
Sure, you can post your Profits (or Losses), as does Emirates, but as one business professor pointed out "Profit/Loss is a matter of opinion. Cash Flow is a matter of fact." I have not heard of Cash Flow statements being published for any of these airlines and I think there is a good reason why they don't want to do that. Of course, I would love to be dazzled with their business and financial prowess and eat my words on that. But besides the 100% backing of oil-rich governments, who seemingly don't know what to do with their windfalls, I don't think they have the proverbial "silver bullet" on how to run a commercially successful airline.
Al Baker sure loves the media lime-light, though, and it is always nice to meet a colleague from another airline who is enthusiastic about his employer and company.
I have my serious doubts whether Qatar Airways, or even Emirates is profitable and commercially sustainable.
Sure, you can post your Profits (or Losses), as does Emirates, but as one business professor pointed out "Profit/Loss is a matter of opinion. Cash Flow is a matter of fact." I have not heard of Cash Flow statements being published for any of these airlines and I think there is a good reason why they don't want to do that. Of course, I would love to be dazzled with their business and financial prowess and eat my words on that. But besides the 100% backing of oil-rich governments, who seemingly don't know what to do with their windfalls, I don't think they have the proverbial "silver bullet" on how to run a commercially successful airline.
Al Baker sure loves the media lime-light, though, and it is always nice to meet a colleague from another airline who is enthusiastic about his employer and company.
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emirates managers are useless, if they would work in a real environment with taxes, normal wages (3000 euros instead of 1000AED for a cleaner) they could never survive.
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spot on GT.
In a recent article in Forbes the average ticket (incl 1st class) LAX - LGA was $506 and the costs:
Fuel: 98
Labour:95
A/c ownership: 25
Non-A/c ownership: 17
Non-emploee labour: 32
Partners & merchants: 54
Interest: 12
other airline exp: 27
Taxes: 75
Misc: 37
Profit: 34
In a recent article in Forbes the average ticket (incl 1st class) LAX - LGA was $506 and the costs:
Fuel: 98
Labour:95
A/c ownership: 25
Non-A/c ownership: 17
Non-emploee labour: 32
Partners & merchants: 54
Interest: 12
other airline exp: 27
Taxes: 75
Misc: 37
Profit: 34
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...the fact is that Chief is outstanding, from a little airline in the Middle East he created the Oryx (which BTW was in the path of extinction, saved and reintroduced to nature by Qatar)
Today the Oryx gallops in front of every body, I am proud of him and proud of it.
Thank you Chief
Today the Oryx gallops in front of every body, I am proud of him and proud of it.
Thank you Chief
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wrong!
Hi Kijangnim, before you start to build a statue of your beloved "chief" in your garden, get the facts right:
"The Phoenix Zoo and the Fauna and Flora Preservation Society of London (now Fauna & Flora International), with financial help from the World Wildlife Fund, are credited with saving the Arabian Oryx from extinction. In 1962, these groups started the first captive-breeding herd in any zoo, at the Phoenix Zoo, sometimes referred to as "Operation Oryx."
Because all wild Arabian Oryx were killed for meat or just for fun by 1972,
all present animals are from this herd.
Now keep on licking....
"The Phoenix Zoo and the Fauna and Flora Preservation Society of London (now Fauna & Flora International), with financial help from the World Wildlife Fund, are credited with saving the Arabian Oryx from extinction. In 1962, these groups started the first captive-breeding herd in any zoo, at the Phoenix Zoo, sometimes referred to as "Operation Oryx."
Because all wild Arabian Oryx were killed for meat or just for fun by 1972,
all present animals are from this herd.
Now keep on licking....
Isn't it amazing how pilots who like to project an image of themselves as well educated and better than most can turn a thread on awards into a pi$$ing contest with stupid arguments about which culture is best!!
Some of you are adolescent to an extreme.
Back to the airline awards. There is a reason that no European or American airline is in the list and that is........................ they are not as consistently good.
In the Arabian Gulf region I don't think there is much to choose between the big 3 of EY, EK and QR. Different crew, different day, different vote. I have had mainly very good travel with all of them.
Some of you are adolescent to an extreme.
Back to the airline awards. There is a reason that no European or American airline is in the list and that is........................ they are not as consistently good.
In the Arabian Gulf region I don't think there is much to choose between the big 3 of EY, EK and QR. Different crew, different day, different vote. I have had mainly very good travel with all of them.
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The criteria used to achieve results has a heavy leaning towards certain factors.
A huge one is 10 abreast seating - 777. This is a non-starter fro Skytrax hence EK's and QR's divergence.
Obviously the workload on the EK cabin crew has had an affect on service - this one issue alone explains a lot.
Additionally the new service delivery in business starting in July will not help EK. Part of the wow factor in Biz was the dessert/cheese/cognac trolley after the main course - this will be no longer.
Pity.
As to QR, no disrespect to all Flt Dk & CC over there - but it is common knowledge that its the next stop on the list for those who were not suitable for EK
f.
A huge one is 10 abreast seating - 777. This is a non-starter fro Skytrax hence EK's and QR's divergence.
Obviously the workload on the EK cabin crew has had an affect on service - this one issue alone explains a lot.
Additionally the new service delivery in business starting in July will not help EK. Part of the wow factor in Biz was the dessert/cheese/cognac trolley after the main course - this will be no longer.
Pity.
As to QR, no disrespect to all Flt Dk & CC over there - but it is common knowledge that its the next stop on the list for those who were not suitable for EK
f.
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Originally Posted by schibulsky
couldnt agree more, unfortunately there is always a need from pilots to Insult others just because they dont share the same view.
Tell me it 'ain't true Schibbybaby
before you try and influence REAL aviators LOL 
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EK has become the taxi service for the unwashed masses. No control aboard and pretty much a free for all. Its a mess, and very far from the professional, neat and dare I say 'classy' outfit it was ten years ago.
On the way down and out - soon to be found listed among Ariana, Bangladesh and Kish....albeit with shiny new airframes.
On the way down and out - soon to be found listed among Ariana, Bangladesh and Kish....albeit with shiny new airframes.
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=IR PirateEK has become the taxi service for the unwashed masses. No control aboard and pretty much a free for all. Its a mess, and very far from the professional, neat and dare I say 'classy' outfit it was ten years ago.
On the way down and out - soon to be found listed among Ariana, Bangladesh and Kish....albeit with shiny new airframes.
On the way down and out - soon to be found listed among Ariana, Bangladesh and Kish....albeit with shiny new airframes.
And I wish it was free
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surely not:
you must belong to the group you just described. If you take the "typical" flight that I stated in #38, and make a few assumptions adjusted to local conditions give and take.
Fuel: 98 - assume same
Labour:95 - assume 40
A/c ownership: 25 - maybe same but with government guarantees on lease probably 20
Non-A/c ownership: 17 - terminals etc assume discounted usage 10
Non-emploee labour: 32 - handling agents etc assume 15
Partners & merchants: 54 - assume same but probably less
Interest: 12 - assume same
other airline exp: 27 - assume 20
Taxes: 75 - assume 0
Misc: 37 - assume 30
Profit: 34 - interestingly this comes to 195 almost 6 times better margin.
With such a cost advantage over western airlines there is no doubt that any GCC airline (GF? not) will be competitive even under the most difficult conditions. Even with pi$$ poor management.
However, if you look east there is competition from CX, SQ etc, but again they also have hefty tax breaks and subsidies, but not as generous as GCC.
you must belong to the group you just described. If you take the "typical" flight that I stated in #38, and make a few assumptions adjusted to local conditions give and take.
Fuel: 98 - assume same
Labour:95 - assume 40
A/c ownership: 25 - maybe same but with government guarantees on lease probably 20
Non-A/c ownership: 17 - terminals etc assume discounted usage 10
Non-emploee labour: 32 - handling agents etc assume 15
Partners & merchants: 54 - assume same but probably less
Interest: 12 - assume same
other airline exp: 27 - assume 20
Taxes: 75 - assume 0
Misc: 37 - assume 30
Profit: 34 - interestingly this comes to 195 almost 6 times better margin.
With such a cost advantage over western airlines there is no doubt that any GCC airline (GF? not) will be competitive even under the most difficult conditions. Even with pi$$ poor management.
However, if you look east there is competition from CX, SQ etc, but again they also have hefty tax breaks and subsidies, but not as generous as GCC.
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So, Mr. White Knight, what is going to stop it?
Flown in the back recently?
FAs couldnt care less about seatbacks during take off and landing, especially if the occupant is a dishdashing fellow...could it be a cultural thing?
Pax do pretty much what they want, when they want - total lack of order aboard. FAs couldn't care a toss. The service ethic has died - and I would probably ascribe that to the class level of a large portion of the pax using EK these days, but...and its a big but - your airline is reflected in its service levels.
The aircraft are dirty, nay filthy inside - its like the DXB airport-toilet-chic is catching...its about time for foreign airports to require yellow fever and the rest of the vaccination list for any passenger disembarking off an EK aircraft. Being quite a filthy chap myself at times - even I cringe at touching any part of the superstructure around my seat - including the IFE control that is always covered in some unspecified, somewhat liquidy mucousy entity. Guess some dripped off the screen - but for the life of me I can't figure out what it is. Tastes pretty awful too.
Its not up to the flight deck crew to fix that situation - I know what their job description is, and I have sympathy in many cases, but the cabin is a pigsty. The last flight I took, if it werent for the logos and colours, I would not have been able to differentiate between an EK cabin and the last time I flew in the DRC.
Been flying EK for nearly two decades now, and slide is so apparent its not even funny. Sad.
Flying with four FAs now who have recently come from EK, and they say exactly the same thing.
So Mr.White Knight....you gonna keep or are you going to fetch me my Shrubbery?
Flown in the back recently?
FAs couldnt care less about seatbacks during take off and landing, especially if the occupant is a dishdashing fellow...could it be a cultural thing?
Pax do pretty much what they want, when they want - total lack of order aboard. FAs couldn't care a toss. The service ethic has died - and I would probably ascribe that to the class level of a large portion of the pax using EK these days, but...and its a big but - your airline is reflected in its service levels.
The aircraft are dirty, nay filthy inside - its like the DXB airport-toilet-chic is catching...its about time for foreign airports to require yellow fever and the rest of the vaccination list for any passenger disembarking off an EK aircraft. Being quite a filthy chap myself at times - even I cringe at touching any part of the superstructure around my seat - including the IFE control that is always covered in some unspecified, somewhat liquidy mucousy entity. Guess some dripped off the screen - but for the life of me I can't figure out what it is. Tastes pretty awful too.
Its not up to the flight deck crew to fix that situation - I know what their job description is, and I have sympathy in many cases
, but the cabin is a pigsty. The last flight I took, if it werent for the logos and colours, I would not have been able to differentiate between an EK cabin and the last time I flew in the DRC.Been flying EK for nearly two decades now, and slide is so apparent its not even funny. Sad.
Flying with four FAs now who have recently come from EK, and they say exactly the same thing.
So Mr.White Knight....you gonna keep
or are you going to fetch me my Shrubbery?
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Hi white boy, I was already flying jets when you were still wetting your pants! 
As a pilot, ATC controller, flight dispatcher, operations controller, aviation trainer and consultant I would call myself rather an real aviator than somebody limited to living his boyhood dream and never progressed beyond that.
Anyway, I am happy to watch this declining industry as a frequent flying spectator, it's time for you to realize that you are just an inconvenient cost factor nowadays. The times for knights strutting through the airport with people watching in awe are over for good...
Today lots of pilots are sad subservient individuals like Kijangnim who are praising their masters for treating them like crap while handing out some crumbs...pathetic indeed
As a pilot, ATC controller, flight dispatcher, operations controller, aviation trainer and consultant I would call myself rather an real aviator than somebody limited to living his boyhood dream and never progressed beyond that.
Anyway, I am happy to watch this declining industry as a frequent flying spectator, it's time for you to realize that you are just an inconvenient cost factor nowadays. The times for knights strutting through the airport with people watching in awe are over for good...
Today lots of pilots are sad subservient individuals like Kijangnim who are praising their masters for treating them like crap while handing out some crumbs...pathetic indeed
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8 out of 10
Flown with all but Asiana and ANZ. To me Singapore and Thai are the best, Turkish was a nightmare on the ground and in the air on two legs and Qantas service is non existant.
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Ooops Watson, you really got me 
Now I have to apologize for insinuating the Knight was wetting his pants at the age of 10
Anyway, cute to assume everybody posts his real age
As you can see from my posts I was never afraid to reveal the position I had at EK, so if you pop in at the OCC they could confirm the CV, even in the mentioned sequence...
Now I have to apologize for insinuating the Knight was wetting his pants at the age of 10
Anyway, cute to assume everybody posts his real age
As you can see from my posts I was never afraid to reveal the position I had at EK, so if you pop in at the OCC they could confirm the CV, even in the mentioned sequence...