QATAR AIRWAYS TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET SHOW IN DUBAI LAST WEEK TO ANNOUNCE THE WORLD’S FIRST EXCLUSIVELY FIRST- AND BUSINESS-CLASS TERMINAL, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE DOHA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
Part of the airport’s $200 million expansion, the terminal will be designed to provide first- and business-class passengers on the award-winning airline as hassle-free an experience as possible. Speaking at a press conference last week, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said, “The new terminal for premium passengers will be a big boost for Qatar Airways. It is the first of its kind, not only in the Middle East, but anywhere in the world.” He continued on to list the terminal’s numerous features, including: self-service check-in kiosks for passengers with hand baggage; dedicated first- and business-class lounges with dining areas; spa, Jacuzzi and sauna; massage treatments; shower and wash areas; and extensive duty-free offerings. And for business travelers, he added, “we will have a conference room and meeting rooms together with secretarial services, as well as free access to Internet stations within the terminal.” Qatar Airways expects to entertain its first premium-class passengers in the new terminal sometime this summer.