Next year will mark 30 years since Qatar Airways was formed, but yesterday saw a more recent anniversary being celebrated. Specifically, March 30th, 2022, marked a quarter of a century since the Doha-based oneworld member first flew to London Heathrow, on the same day in 1997. The airline put on a show with the anniversary service, with aspects such as a water cannon salute and a specially-curated menu.
25 years of service
Qatar Airways flight QR7 operates daily between Doha Hamad International (DOH) and London Heathrow Airport. While the service is a very regular aspect of the airline’s day-to-day operations, yesterday’s iteration was more special than most. This is because the revered Middle Eastern carrier used it to celebrate 25 years of flights between Qatar and the UK.
March 30th, 1997 saw Qatar Airways operate its first-ever scheduled service between Doha and London, using an Airbus A300-600R. This took place just over three years after the airline’s formation, since which time it has become one of the world’s most connected carriers. Leveraging its convenient location for connections, Qatar Airways now flies over 50 UK flights a week, of which Heathrow serves 35.
According to data from FlightRadar24.com, the service actually left Doha around an hour and a half late, at 09:12 vs a scheduled departure time of 07:40. Nonetheless, it made good time en route and touched down just over an hour late at 13:52 (scheduled 12:45). Upon arrival, the flight was greeted with a water cannon salute. A7-BAC, a retro-livered Boeing 777-300ER, operated the special service.
An important landmark
Looking at how Qatar Airways’ services between Doha and London (and indeed the UK as a whole) have grown over the last quarter of a century, yesterday’s anniversary was certainly worthy of a celebration. Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye…