Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways at a glance
Qatar Airways is the flag carrier of Qatar and a nine-time Skytrax world's best airline, most recently in 2025, flying 200+ aircraft from its Doha hub at Hamad International to 160+ destinations. Launch customer of the A350 and creator of the Qsuite, it built its reputation on product and network reach in equal measure.
The airline entered 2026 with new leadership, Hamad Ali Al-Khater replacing Badr Al-Meer in December 2025, a record $2.15 billion annual profit, and a recovery drive that restored 85% of its network by mid-2026 after the previous year's regional airspace crisis. Its investment portfolio, including about a quarter of IAG and Virgin Australia, gives it influence far beyond its own fleet.
Fleet
Qatar Airways was launch customer for the Airbus A350 and remains one of its largest operators, alongside a big 777 and 787 fleet and a 94-strong 777X order book, one of the largest anywhere.
| Aircraft | Role | Fleet Size |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 777-300ER | Long-haul workhorse with Qsuite | ~50 |
| Airbus A380-800 | High-capacity trunk routes | 8 |
| Boeing 777-9 | Anchor customer for the next flagship | 94 ordered |
Hub & route network
Hamad International in Doha, repeatedly ranked the world's best airport, is the airline's sole hub, connecting 160+ destinations in a classic super-connector pattern. The summer 2026 schedule restored the network to 85% of its pre-2025-crisis level after regional airspace disruptions.Alliance & partnerships
A oneworld member since 2013, Qatar Airways is also aviation's most prolific investor: about 25% of IAG, 25% of Virgin Australia, 49% of RwandAir and a quarter of South Africa's Airlink, having sold its Cathay Pacific stake in 2026.Group structure
Qatar Airways Group is wholly owned by the State of Qatar and spans the airline, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International's operator MATAR; a record $2.15 billion profit came in its last fiscal year.Full specifications
Latest Qatar Airways coverage from AeroTime
Frequently asked questions
Hamad Ali Al-Khater, appointed in December 2025 after running Hamad International Airport, succeeding Badr Al-Meer after just two years.
About 25% of IAG, parent of British Airways and Iberia, 25% of Virgin Australia, 49% of RwandAir and 25% of Airlink; its Cathay Pacific stake was sold in 2026.
oneworld, which it joined in 2013 as the first Gulf super-connector to enter a global alliance.