In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Qatar Airways' network has been more resolute than most, with dozens of international routes retained. Airliner World’s Gordon Smith spoke to Gary Kershaw, the airline’s UK and Ireland country manager, to learn more about its bold approach to the crisis.
In mid-May, Qatar Airways announced a “phased approach” to bring many of its global destinations back into the fold, further fortifying what was already the most comprehensive international route map offered by any major network carrier. As the coronavirus outbreak intensified, the Doha-based company cut more than 100 scheduled routes, leaving a core of around 30 key cities served. A shadow of its former self and unthinkable even six months ago, but looking stronger than many of its direct and indirect competitors.
Management at Qatar Airways aims to rebuild its network to an initial 52 destinations by the end of May, then to 80 in June (including 23 in Europe), in line with “passenger demand evolution” and the “expected relaxation of entry restrictions around the world.” To learn more about this turbulent start to 2020 and the company’s predictions for the months ahead, Airliner Worl…