Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker has not been shy about his disappointment with Boeing’s delays for the 787 Dreamliner. Earlier this week, he spoke in Washington, D.C. at a media luncheon.

The Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker, said that the new flights linking Qatar and Australia were part of the carrier’s ongoing expansion strategy.

According to him, additional aircraft orders will be announced at next month’s Paris Air Show, indicating the airline’s ambition to be a global carrier and its part in helping secure the economic and commercial future of the country.

Currently Qatar Airways has a fleet comprising 64 aircraft and another 200 on order, which includes 30 of Boeing’s delayed Dream liners — worth around $40bn combined.

“In 2009 while airlines are shrinking, parking airplanes, reducing frequencies and networks, we are doing exactly the opposite,” Al Baker said.

Earlier this week, Emirates reported it would delay the delivery of some of the 777s it was planning to acquire next year, in order to protect its cash reserves and allow it the time to secure suitable financing.

Currently, Emirates airline operates 63 flights a week to Australia, which it will increase to 70 in winter. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways flies 21 times a week to Australia while Qatar Airways new daily flight is a welcome development to all industry watchers and customers.

To keep up with the increasing interest from the region, Tourism Australia, visited and gave assurances of the Australian government’s willingness to progressively ease the application procedure for GCC nationals, creating online applications and making multi-entry visas standard. All visas issued to GCC nationals are multi-entry, given for a period of two years and are valid for stays up to three months at a time.

The Doha-based carrier also earned the title Best Airline in the Middle East for the fourth year running, while its cabin crew have yet again demonstrated delivering the highest levels of service by being named Best in the region for an unprecedented seventh year in a row.

In addition, Qatar Airways’ global ranking has risen commendably, up three places to fourth best in the world – the highest placing of any Middle East carrier.

Ranked as the only Middle East carrier in the elite club of Five Star airlines as adjudged by Skytrax, Qatar Airways won praise for its continued commitment to offering the travelling public unrivalled levels of inflight service.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker picked up the accolades during the 10th anniversary Skytrax World Airline Awards celebrations at a ceremony held in Hamburg, attended by more than 500 people.

“It is a great honour, on behalf of Qatar Airways, to be recognised yet again for our high levels of service and hospitality which we remain committed to,” said Al Baker.

“Most airlines invest heavily in developing their premium cabins and, while we continue to do this, Qatar Airways strives to innovate in Economy Class ensuring our high standards are maintained and passenger expectations are exceeded worldwide.”

Qatar Airways recently revamped its Economy Class inflight-service, which sees all onboard meals served in a more upmarket, appetising and stylish way, aimed at enhancing passengers’ overall flying experience.

New-look colourful meal tray components offer Economy Class passengers a whole new take on food presentation, guiding them on a wonderful culinary journey.

Skytrax Chief Executive Officer Edward Plaisted said: “As a well established Five Star airline, Qatar Airways achieved success in the Economy Class section, which was one of the most closely contested survey categories. In the Middle East there is Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways all vying for the Best in Region title, and Qatar Airways achieved a strong performance to take this award.”

Qatar Airways flies high with its award-winning service

More than 16 million air travellers drawn from over 95 different nationalities took part in the eight-month long survey. The awards are recognised around the world for being the only true global independent passenger survey of airline standards.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 68 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 84 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America.

During 2009, Qatar Airways will expand its global operations with the launch of 6 new routes – Sydney and Melbourne in Australia; Goa and Amritsar in India; and two further cities in Europe.