Inspiring journeys begin with Qatar

Washington party planners take note. Start with a happy hour reception of Champagne and Cabrales stuffed dates and rosemary lamb skewers at the downtown offices of Qatar Airways, follow with a Reston Limousine ride to Dulles International Airport, and serve a gourmet dinner at the Qatar terminal. In-between, introduce the dazzling award-winning airline, its exotic destinations, stellar service, and add a private tour of a Qatar Boeing 777 and airport operations.

National airline of the tiny gulf state, Qatar is famous as the home of Al Jazeera TV and being one of the world's wealthiest countries.

Starting as a regional carrier, Qatar was re-launched in 1997 under the country’s leader, The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, whose vision has turned Qatar Airways into a leading international airline with 14 hour non-stop service from Washington to Doha.

With CEO Akbar Al Baker at the helm, the airline is rapidly expanding, and its grey and crimson aircraft with indigenous endangered oryx logo, are seen landing at over 100 destinations around the world including Venice, Brussels, Barcelona, Tokyo, and next month, Oslo.

Recently named Airline of the Year 2011 by Skytrax World Airline Awards (voted by 18 million travelers), Qatar is one of the world's fastest growing airlines with one of the youngest fleets. In North America, Qatar’s hubs are in Houston, New York, Washington, D.C. and Montreal.

Ranked five star for excellence, Qatar focuses on comfort, cuisine, in-flight entertainment, and award-winning in-flight service. No surprise it's named best business class service and catering in the world.

With the next generation Oryx interactive entertainment system and a choice of more than 900 audio and video on-demand options, bedtime won't come easily.

“On Qatar, when the lights are off, we cater to the wishes of everyone … meals served when the passengers want them.” Senior vice president, Bart Vos told guests during a Mediterranean-inspired dinner of tahini-glazed beef, fennel-roasted prawns and phyllo vegetable pouches.

In 2007, Qatar got its first Boeing aircraft and, "since then," said Vos “we’ve been taking delivery of a new plane every month.”

It’s not too early to reserve your seat on Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Soccer tournaments in Doha.

Qatar Airways is located at 1430 K Street, NW. Tel: 202.719.0922