Doha: Since the pandemic broke out in March 2020, Qatar Airways has paid out nearly $1.6 billion of refunds to hundreds of thousands of travellers.
The airlines' Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker made this statement while speaking to Qatar Television.
Al Baker said that when the pandemic unfolded, last march, passengers started demanding refunds, Qatar Airways gave nearly $1.6 billion. "While the other airlines actually froze the refunds, some demanding that they only be given back in vouchers, Qatar Airways held its responsibility and upheld our reputation - both as national carrier of Qatar and a reputable airline," said Al Baker.
He further assured that air fares will not increase, and customers will be charged as the same under normal circumstances. "I know there is a common perception that air travel is going to become very expensive to go from point A to Point B. Air fares will still be affordable and will remain what we used to charge in the past," he stated, adding however tickets will not be available at low-cost rates as Qatar Airways is a full-service airline.
He further stated that as the airports close, due to the uncertainties in the operations, airlines have to take mitigating actions to ensure their survival. "We have done minimum reduction of over 15% which could go up to 20%, we have laid off 11,000 employees and will be laying off more over the next months... Also, when it comes to taking cuts, we have done the least minimum. We need to recognise the hard work of those working. What's important is we kept on flying, nearly 80% of our fleet is in air while large number of airlines have their fleet on the ground."
Al Baker added that Qatar Airways will re-recruit the laid off staff as it starts ramping up its network in the future.
Talking about the demand and recovery of the sector, Qatar Airways CEO stated that air travel will always be in demand, there will be a slow down due to pandemic and the new wave of the pandemic will further delay its recovery. "I was expecting the air travel to come back to pre-2019 level in two to three years time but I think now it will take longer. The third and fourth and fifth wave of the epidemic will push the rebound further," he added.
Al Baker further warned that people should not take the pandemic lightly and should take all precautionary measures. "Vaccination is not the answer to this pandemic, it will help, but in long term, everyone should take precaution, maintain social distancing, ensure hygiene and respect the regulations issued by the health authorities," he cautioned.
