At a time when carriers world over are cutting short their expansion Qatar Airways is flying high to expand rapidly.

In tete-a-tete with Christopher Clifford, Qatar Airways Area Manager Sri Lanka, shares his views on Qatar Airways.

Having Re-launched the airline in 1997, we are extremely proud of the achievements over the past 12 years and look forward to exciting years ahead both in growth and maintaining high standards in the competitive industry.

Clifford who has been with the airline for the last 10 years say Sri Lanka is a promising market after the dawn of peace. It is a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism, and he expressed optimism about the prospects of tourism here and the airline’s firm commitment to not only continue with its two daily flights but soon to increase frequencies by having three flights daily.

With 72 state-of-the-art all airbus and Boeing aircrafts Qatar Airways which flies to 84 destinations in the world, "We are expanding at a tremendous pace" stressed Clifford. The airline’s fleet will be more than double in size by 2015 with plans to acquire more airbus A350s and Boeing 777s. Our fleet size will increase to more than 110 planes and destinations will continue to add to our expanding global map, he mentioned with great pride.

He added that the fleet has the latest on board technology, offering more space, greater comfort, good inflight entertainment and most of all inflight cuisine which is truly a fine dining experience in the sky with comfort being assured for both Business and Economy class passengers. Clifford pointed out that the airline offers "star class service" in meeting customer satisfaction. The food served is delectable and served from the oven to the seat. Commenting on it’ s board service, Clifford said that it is " hospitality with a smile" and it is just one reason why our cabin crew is rated among the best in the world and has been judged the best in the Middle East seven consecutive years. This is our success story, said Clifford with confidence.

Speaking on Qatar Airway’s global network, Clifford emphasized it’s global network of destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and United States. Its newest destination being Australia, which heralds a historic milestone from December with flights to Melbourne marking Australia firmly on it’s international map and passengers being assured of an unparalleled service. He said Doha is a key transit port with connecting flights available with convenient transit times. "With a one-of-a-kind Premium Terminal our premium passengers can enjoy a fun and relaxing transit in Doha enroute to their final destination" stated Clifford. He also said that Qatar Airways has earned an impressive reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic carriers, especially in term of new aircrafts and route expansion.

Recalling the airline’s longstanding commitment towards Sri Lanka he said, " Qatar Airways never pulled out from Sri Lanka . Since 1994 we have been flying to Colombo. Whether the situation was good or bad we were committed and stood by Sri Lanka even during the adverse times flying in and out of Colombo. Now that the war is over, we are even more committed and fully focused to promote inbound and outbound tourism.

Qatar Airways stands tall with a list of achievements to its credit. We have clinched many titles, the best Cabin Crew Award, Middle East leading Business Class Airline for the second consecutive year, leading Airline lounge, just to mention a few.

Clifford mentions that the airline has implemented internet booking. Passengers can book their ticket through the internet and select their seats too and review their boarding pass on the internet or allow them to print from home or office. He stressed that the cutting edge technology of Qatar Airways is of high standards.

"Our brand new airport will open by 2011 and this will be a benchmark to keep with the dramatic growth. The dedicated employees coupled with commitment to offer the best to the passengers are our winning formula " said Clifford.