Aviation Lifts Qatar's Position In Global Innovation, Trade

Doha, Qatar: Qatar's aviation industry is undergoing a major transformation, marked by soaring passenger numbers, historic fleet investments, and bold sustainability efforts.

According to Khamis Abdullah Alkhelaifi, ICAO Ground Instructor and Aviation Analyst, the sector is“in a noticeable development driven by passenger growth, cargo strength, digital innovation, sustainability initiatives, and global partnerships.”

Khamis Abdullah Alkhelaifi, ICAO Ground Instructor and Aviation Analyst

Qatar Airways has posted its strongest-ever financial results, reporting QR7.85bn ($2.15bn) in net profit for the 2024–25 fiscal year, up QR1.7bn from the year before. The airline carried over 40 million passengers, maintaining an 83 percent load factor, outperforming many global carriers.

Speaking to The Peninsula, the aviation expert pointed to a sustained recovery stating that“The data shows Qatar's passenger segment is seeing a strong and broadly sustainable recovery in both volumes and yield.” January 2025 saw a 27.4 percent year-over-year increase in traffic, reaching 4.5 million passengers. Meanwhile, the Middle East was the only region globally to post a yield increase in 2024, with demand forecasted to grow 9.5 percent in 2025.

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world's leading freight carrier, saw volumes rise sharply in 2025 after a dip early in the previous year.

Cargo revenue is up 17 percent year-on-year, supported by rising demand in Asia and Europe. Mail and freight volumes in May 2025 alone reached 220,000 tonnes, marking a 4.7 percent increase over the same period last year.

On the other hand, the airline made headlines with a historic order for up to 210 Boeing widebody aircraft, including the 777X and 787 Dreamliner. Qatar Airways is also pivoting toward the Airbus A321neo for single-aisle routes, sidelining the Boeing MAX.“These orders signal long-term planning focused on fuel efficiency and network growth,” said Alkhelaifi.

Qatar Airways is extending its global footprint with key investments. It now owns 25 percent of Virgin Australia, enabling wet-lease operations from four major Australian cities and adding 2.65 million seats annually. A new partnership with Philippine Airlines expands access between Doha and Manila, while a planned 49 percent stake in RwandAir signals growing influence in African aviation.“Qatar has signed bilateral agreements with 178 countries, and it's the first Gulf nation to secure a comprehensive aviation accord with the European Union,” he noted.

These partnerships are integral to the national long-term connectivity goals. Qatar Airways is committed to using 10 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030. In FY2023–24, it uplifted 3.9 million litres of neat SAF in Amsterdam-over 5 percent of the total fuel on that route, cutting lifecycle CO2 emissions by 94 percent. The airline is also part of a World Economic Forum SAF coalition and benefits from Qatar-based carbon offset programs approved under CORSIA.

Despite a drop in global oil prices to $86 per barrel in early 2025, Qatar Airways continues to raise concerns over high local fuel costs, citing a lack of price support from QatarEnergy.“Fuel accounts for up to 30 percent of total operating costs, and local pricing remains a major challenge,” said Alkhelaifi.

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