Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    30th Sept 2017

Thousands of people watched in admiration as a Qatar Airways aircraft flew in formation over Doha with the world-famous Red Arrows aerobatic display team, an event taking place as the airline celebrates its twentieth anniversary.

The event was hosted on the vast beach side of Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel by Ajay Sharma, British Ambassador to the State of Qatar and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker. Present on the occasion were Mohammed bin Abdullah AlRumaihi, Qatar’s Minister of Municipality and Environment, UK’s Secretary of State for Wales Rt. Hon. Alun Cairns MP, Guest of Honour on the occasion, Abdullah bin Nasser Turki Al Subaey, Chairman, Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority, a number of ambassadors, representatives of the Qatar British Business Association and members of Int’l & local media.

The thrilling display took place in the skies above Doha’s iconic Corniche in today’s afternoon as a state-of-the-art Qatar Airways Airbus A350, for which the airline was the global launch customer, flew in formation with the British Royal Air Force’s (RAF) iconic Red Arrows. Their distinctive fleet of Hawk jets were on hand to display the speed, agility and precision of the RAF and fly in their trademark diamond nine formation to join in the salute to Qatar Airways and its 20 years of operations.

‘Red Arrows’ UK’s Royal Air Force aerobatic team performed 4th time in Doha skies demonstrating strong ties between Qatar and United Kingdom. Both the countries enjoy close relations in wide range of areas including Trade & Investment, Defence, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM).

Wing Commander Andrew Keith, Officer Commanding ‘Red Arrows’ siad on the occasion, ‘Overseas tours such as this are one of the key roles of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic team. We regularly travel abroad during the display season to promote both the ‘best of British’. He said that it also provides opportunities for defence engagement  and promoting STEM through events with students and educational institutes.

British Envoy, Ajay Sharma welcoming Red Arrows to Qatar said that such visits are a very visible demonstration and celebration of the strength of UK-Qatar relations. They showcase the best of the UK from the technical mastery of the pilots to the excellence of our engineering and aviation industry. I hope this will inspire new generations to get involved and study STEM subjects.

Ambassador Ajay Sharma paid his special thanks to ‘key partners and sponsors, Qatar Airways and Rolls Royce, BAE Systems and AlFardan Premier Motors’ celebrating  2oth anniversary of Qatar Airways’.

British MP & Secretary of State Cairns said, ‘ I am delighted to be in Doha on this important day to celebrate the links between our two countries, and to further celebrate 20th anniversary of Qatar Airways. The airline has this year announced the launch of a new frequent service from Cardiff Airport, linking South Wales to Qatar and significant global markets via its capital city in 2018. I met regularly with senior managers at Qatar Airways to help secure this service. This new route will send a positive message about an outward looking Wales developing international trade & tourism links to the rest of the world’.

Akbar AlBaker, Qatar Airways Group CEO said, ‘ Today the Red Arrows have helped Qatar Airways celebrate in style to reach a major milestone in our history, with a thrilling display to mark our 20th anniversary. We were delighted to have them join one of our Airbus A350 aircraft in this historic  fly-by over the impressive Doha skyline. I am very proud of all that Qatar Airways has achieved in the past 20 years and as we embark on the next 20 years I look forward to continuing to demonstrate the passion, innovation and award-winning customer service we have become renowned for’.

Qatar’s Minister of Municipality & Environment in his exclusive talk with Editor www.asiantelegraphqatar.com said that Qatar Airways has completed it’s mission in last 20 years. It is the best airline of the world today with modern technology and best fleet of aircrafts. Qatar Airways reaches today to the far and difficult destinations providing best service to the passengers as well as it’s large cargo fleet with economic service.

It is to note that Red Arrows has a team of 10 members in which during 2010 and 2013, there were lady pilots also. Member of Red Arrows Team stay maximum for three years and move forward to it’s routine air force flying.

Last time, Red Arrows performed in Doha in 2013.