last September Qatar Airways has appointed Bennet Stephens as its new Indochina Regional Manager.
Bennett has more than 25 years of experience in the airline industry, serving and working in a variety of countries and regions. from the Middle East to Australia and New Zealand
Currently under a new role Bennet’s responsibilities cover Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
Get to know the new Qatar manager
Bennett joined Qatar Airways in 2018 as Senior Regional Manager for Africa. He then moved to the Middle East and Caucasus region as Vice President.
before moving to his home country of Australia as Regional Manager for the Eastern Region of Australia.
for his new position this time He is responsible for Qatar Airways’ operations in the Indochina region. This includes sales and marketing activities. Budget management and overall sales
As well as supporting the team and managing the relationship between the company and its partners.
Prior to joining Qatar, Bennett served as Regional Manager for several of the world’s leading airlines. Whether it is KLM, Royal Dutch Airlines, Oman Air, Kenya Airways. and Malaysia Airlines
Bennett said, ‘I am very excited to take on my new role as Regional Manager for Indochina and to work with the world’s best airlines.’
He added, ‘I’m looking forward to working with the team. so that we can help each other find new strategies in strengthening our commercial activities within the region and provide customers with an experience of unmatched excellence. which is the distinctiveness of our airline’
1.2 trillion damaged days from COVID
Qatar’s manager shared that during COVID-19, The airline business has been hit hard. As many countries have imposed travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease. As a result, various flights unable to leave
As for Qatar Airways, the amount of damage caused during 2020-2021, both direct and indirect equivalent to approximately 35,000 million US dollars, or about 1.2 trillion baht
But despite these difficult times and high uncertainties, Qatar Airways continues to serve its customers.
Bennett cited Qatar Airways as an example of the postponement of tickets, which can be postponed up to two years after the date of purchase. You can also request to change your destination.
‘Let’s say you’re going to a wedding in a country. but unable to travel because of COVID-19 until after that can return to travel You don’t want to go there anymore.’
In addition, the airline has measures to return tickets on the line (Refund Ticket) due to COVID-19. which also pays back the customer in full
to the date of returning to full service
while the current situation The airline business has begun to see a recovery that is equivalent to the year 2019 or equivalent to the period before the COVID-19 outbreak.
‘We see a recovery of around 50% this year and we expect Qatar Airways to continue to recover 70% next year.‘
Qatar Airways has continued to increase flights to meet passenger demand. Recently, the airline has announced the launch of new routes QR835 from Bangkok starting December 21 and QR979 from Phuket starting December 21. at 1 Feb. 2023
As a result, Qatar will operate 4 flights daily from Bangkok and 3 flights daily from Phuket. To connect passengers to more than 150 destinations around the world, such as London, Manchester, Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich, New York, etc.
And if the aviation business situation improves in 2023, Qatar Airways will consider adding more flights again.
Airline Challenges in ’66
Although the aviation industry tends to continue to recover. But there are environmental factors to be aware of such as world crude oil prices that have risen twice. from about $60 per barrel to $120 per barrel. which may affect the business
Initially, the recent increase in oil prices was within Qatar’s estimates. and still able to cope but still need to be closely monitored
In addition to rising energy prices There is still a risk from travel restrictions. Because there are still some countries that use closed-open measures to control the COVID-19 situation.
Returned to open the lounge at Suvarnabhumi.
Qatar Airways is now reopening its lounges for Qatar and oneworld First Class and Business Class passengers departing from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The lounge offers views of the airport gardens and the architecture of the terminal exterior. It also has various facilities. Serve passengers before travelling. whole bathroom An amenity kit by French perfume house Diptyque.
Within the lounge, there are two dining areas: The Brasserie, for formal dining, offering a wide variety of international dishes from the a la carte menu.
The other is The Global Deli for more relaxed buffet-style dining. The buffet menu includes both hot and cold dishes. and Arabic appetizers, tabouleh, hummus and muhamara.
In addition to the passenger lounge, Qatar Airways has partnered with Chef Ian Kittichai to create a Thai menu for passengers departing from Bangkok and Phuket, including appetizers, main dishes and desserts. For First Class and Business Class passengers
Pride as Airline of the Year
Qatar Airways was announced as 2022 ‘Airline of the Year’ by SKYTRAX, the international airline rating organization This is the 7th time after receiving the award in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021.
Qatar Airways also won three other notable awards: ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge Dining’ (World’s Best Business Class). Best Business Class Lounge Dining’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’