Qatar Airways Vice President (Commercial)-Europe, Paul Johannes, left, receiving the World Travel Award (WTA) for World’s Leading Airline-Business Class from WTA President and Founder Graham Cooke, right, as Miss World 2009, Ksenia Sukhinova from Russia looks on.

DOHA: Qatar Airways continued its award-winning streak as the Five-Star-ranked carrier was named World’s Leading Airline – Business Class for the second year running.

Almost 1,000 decision makers from the global travel and tourism industry gathered for the 16th World Travel Awards, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London.

Qatar Airways once again beat stiff competition to win the title as decided by thousands of travel professionals from over 180,000 travel agencies, transport companies and tourism organisations in over 160 countries worldwide.

Hailed as the world’s largest and most important international awards for the travel industry, the World Travel Awards aims to encourage excellence, high standards, innovation and quality in every aspect of the customer experience.

With recognition for all elements of Qatar Airways’ service in the sky, as well as on the ground — from the airline’s exclusive Premium Terminal in Doha for First and Business Class passengers to its highly rated cabin crew and inflight entertainment — Qatar Airways has once again exceeded passengers’ expectations.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker expressed his delight at the latest accolade awarded by industry peers.

“To be named as having once again the best business class in the world at the biggest travel event of the year by the most prestigious industry awards body, proves that Qatar Airways is seen by the travel industry as the preferred airline for frequent corporate travellers — not only in the Middle East, but worldwide.

“We are extremely proud of our business class product as this title of World’s Leading Airline — Business Class demonstrates the high level of trust that the airline has gained over and above our competition.

“This award is recognition that Qatar Airways continues to lead in what is a highly competitive aviation industry by offering the most innovative premium services to our valued customers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who works at Qatar Airways for making the airline the success it is today.”

The World Travel Awards evening included entertainment provided by Britain’s Got Talent TV star, street dancer George Sampson, and was attended by all 120 Miss World contestants.