QATAR Airlines demonstrated today why it is what Phuket wants to be: an industry leader of tomorrow, and a class - or even a class and a half - above its competitors.
Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker came to Phuket to deliver a speech that should have resonated loudly with Thailand tourism officials.
Phuket has largely been left to fend for itself against other destinations, free of inspiration or cash from the national government.
Akbar Al Baker's speech explaining Qatar's success represented a clarion call for taking on the world. The lesson: be bold, spend money wisely and do whatever you need to succeed.
The CEO's trip to Phuket and his airline's commitment to the new Doha-Kuala Lumpur-Phuket route is an indication of what's needed, whether your operation is a budget carrier, a popular holiday island destination, or a five-star airline that aspires to be the best in the world.
For those who aren't sure, Qatar Airlines falls into the five-star category. Phuket? Phuket's status has yet to be clearly determined.
What's clear, though, is that Qatar is an energy-rich Middle East country where citizens now enjoy the highest per capita income in the world, and where the airline represents the national ambition to establish a global network of the highest quality.
The new Doha airport, set for completion in 2012, will include world's longest runway and a concourse stretching for 860 metres. The cost? A mere $12.5 billion, with capacity predicted to rise quickly to 50 million passengers a year.
Akbar Al Baker told listeners to today's speech in some detail about the airline's rapid expansion. Cash appears to be no object: it would be difficult to find any media user in Thailand who is not aware of Qatar Airlines and its expansion plans.
The lesson for Phuket is that Qatar has gone against the odds, building its network and its fleet as many competitors have been retreating or struggling to maintain their grip.
The CEO made the point of saying that the airline has chosen the Airbus A-380 for future services on what he says will be its eternally young fleet.
About the time he was making his speech, that other Q airline, Qantas, was discovering that an Airbus A-380 had been involved in an incident on leaving Singapore.
Nothing in the international airline business ever stands still. And the lesson for Phuket: whoever moves fast in an assured fashion and offers quality services will eventually win out.
Twinpalms Eco May Be Phuket's East Coast AnswerChief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker came to Phuket to deliver a speech that should have resonated loudly with Thailand tourism officials.
Phuket has largely been left to fend for itself against other destinations, free of inspiration or cash from the national government.
Akbar Al Baker's speech explaining Qatar's success represented a clarion call for taking on the world. The lesson: be bold, spend money wisely and do whatever you need to succeed.
The CEO's trip to Phuket and his airline's commitment to the new Doha-Kuala Lumpur-Phuket route is an indication of what's needed, whether your operation is a budget carrier, a popular holiday island destination, or a five-star airline that aspires to be the best in the world.
For those who aren't sure, Qatar Airlines falls into the five-star category. Phuket? Phuket's status has yet to be clearly determined.
What's clear, though, is that Qatar is an energy-rich Middle East country where citizens now enjoy the highest per capita income in the world, and where the airline represents the national ambition to establish a global network of the highest quality.
The new Doha airport, set for completion in 2012, will include world's longest runway and a concourse stretching for 860 metres. The cost? A mere $12.5 billion, with capacity predicted to rise quickly to 50 million passengers a year.
Akbar Al Baker told listeners to today's speech in some detail about the airline's rapid expansion. Cash appears to be no object: it would be difficult to find any media user in Thailand who is not aware of Qatar Airlines and its expansion plans.
The lesson for Phuket is that Qatar has gone against the odds, building its network and its fleet as many competitors have been retreating or struggling to maintain their grip.
The CEO made the point of saying that the airline has chosen the Airbus A-380 for future services on what he says will be its eternally young fleet.
About the time he was making his speech, that other Q airline, Qantas, was discovering that an Airbus A-380 had been involved in an incident on leaving Singapore.
Nothing in the international airline business ever stands still. And the lesson for Phuket: whoever moves fast in an assured fashion and offers quality services will eventually win out.
Latest The boutique brand that innovated resort attitudes on Phuket's west coast is now offering ideas that suit the east coast, where village life remains unchanged and appealing to many.
Twinpalms Eco May Be Phuket's East Coast Answer
Phuket's Great Rubber Elephant Race Launched
Latest Owners and their elephants should be going into training about now for the Great Phuket Rubber Elephant Race, organisers have suggested. But a rubber duck will do.
Phuket's Great Rubber Elephant Race Launched
Russian Tourist Drowns on Beach North of Phuket
Latest Another Russian tourist has drowned, latest to fall victim to the Andaman coast currents. It was the first day of his holiday, Phuketwan was told by Khao Lak police.
Russian Tourist Drowns on Beach North of Phuket
Swedish Tourist Accused After Phuket Police Sting
Latest A woman arrested in a sting by Patong police named a Swedish tourist as the source of her drugs. Police say a raid on the tourist's room produced more drugs.
Swedish Tourist Accused After Phuket Police Sting
I will not be riding the HKT-KL-DOH again ... 11 hours plus you connecting flight ... Way too long and the service was terrible on this return trip.
Posted by Sean on November 5, 2010 11:36