Qatar Airways vs Etihad: Difference and Comparison

With a rise in travel for work and leisure activities, the number of airline companies has risen exponentially. Each airline company has its respective services to offer.

While airline A may be an ideal option for one individual, airline B can be an ideal option for another. Qatar Airways and Etihad are two airline companies that are in current operation.

While they may seem identical in functioning, there are comparable differences. 

Key Takeaways

  1. Qatar Airways operates a larger fleet and more extensive network than Etihad, covering over 160 destinations.
  2. Etihad Airways focuses on luxurious travel experiences and offers personalized services like the Residence and First Apartment.
  3. Both airlines are known for exceptional in-flight services and have received numerous industry awards.

Qatar Airways vs Etihad

Qatar is renowned for its award-winning service, while Etihad offers competitive fares and a wide range of destinations. Qatar carriers offer excellent customer service, comfortable seating, high-quality meals, and an extensive network of flights to major cities worldwide compared to Etihad.

Qatar Airways vs Etihad

Qatar Airways is an airline company that is one of the youngest among its competitors. The airline is operational on all six continents.

Over the years, Qatar Airways has won numerous prestigious awards for its service and smooth functioning. Some prominent facilities offered by Qatar Airways are discounts for excess baggage, provision of expert travel advice, and complimentary 24-hour booking hold. 

Etihad is an airline company popular for its cabin crew, onboard services, seats, and food and beverages. The airline was founded in 2003. It is a 5-star airline offering luxurious services to its passengers.

The employees of Etihad suggest that while it offers suitable working hours, they don’t tolerate emergency leaves or unpaid leaves easily.  

Comparison Table  

Parameters of ComparisonQatar Airways Etihad 
DealsThe deals offered by Qatar Airways are significantly cheaper than those offered by Etihad.There are fewer cheaper deals offered by Etihad as compared to Qatar Airways.
Food Qatar Airways offers superior quality food and beverages than Etihad.The food and beverages offered by Etihad are ranked lower as compared to Qatar Airways.
Pricing Qatar Airways have cheaper ticket options as compared to Etihad. Etihad is slightly more expensive than Qatar Airways.
Flag Carrier Qatar Airways is the prominent flight operational in Qatar.Etihad is the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates. 
Destinations Qatar Airways covers 173 destinations. Etihad covers 65 destinations. 

What is Qatar Airways?

Qatar Airways is an airline company that serves as the flag carrier of Qatar. The headquarters of Qatar Airways is situated in Qatar Airways Tower, Doha. Qatar Airways was founded on 22 November 1993 and started operating on 20 January 1994.

Qatar Airways is popularly known to operate a hub and spoke network. The parent company of Qatar Airways is the Government of Qatar.

The main hub of Qatar Airways is Hamad International Airport. Qatar Airways flies to approximately 173 destinations.

The geographical territories covered by Qatar Airways include Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the United States of America. Qatar Airways employs at least 43000 people from different countries across the world. 

The cabin options provided by Qatar Airways include First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. The Economy Class of Qatar Airways has been classified as one of the best cabins among several airlines by Skytrax awards in 2009 and 2010.

The in-flight treatment system of Qatar Airways is known as Oryx One. Privilege clubs and lounges are other means of relaxation and entertainment available to Qatar Airways travellers. 

Qatar Airways has codeshare agreements with several airlines, including Air Canada, Air Malta, British Airways, Bangkok Airways, Japan Airlines, IndiGo, China Southern Airlines, Bulgaria Air, American Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and JetBlue.

Akbar Al Baker is the CEO of Qatar Airways. Facilities like online exclusive fares and easy booking modifications make Qatar Airways an ideal choice for flying.  

qatar airways

What is Etihad?

Etihad is an airlines company that serves as the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates. The airline was founded in July 2003 and the operations commenced in November 2003.

The fleet size of Etihad is 96 and it covers 65 destinations. The headquarters of Etihad is Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 

The chairman of Etihad is Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei. The various destinations covered by Etihad are situated in the Middle East, Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia, and North America.

The airline employs more than 13,500 employees. Apart from the passenger transportation services provided by Etihad, additional services include Etihad Cargo and Etihad Holidays. 

The airlines with which Etihad has codeshare agreements are ACP Rail International, Asiana Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Belavia, Air Canada, Air Europe, Air New Zealand, Air Serbia, Air France, Air Malta, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Virgin Australia, Turkish Airlines, Saudia, Belavia, Kenya Airways, JetBlue, and Bangkok Airways. 

Etihad offers First Class, Economy Class, and Business Class. Etihad allows passengers to choose from a variety of complementary dishes.

The current slogan propagated by Etihad is Choose Well. The main base of Etihad is Abu Dhabi International Airport. To conclude, there are several options for food and seating to choose from.  

etihad

Main Differences Between Qatar Airways and Etihad

  1. While the fleet size of Qatar Airways is 233, the fleet size of Etihad is 96.
  2. Qatar Airways covers more destinations as compared to Etihad airways.
  3. While the parent company of Qatar Airways is the Government of Qatar, the parent company of Etihad is Etihad Aviation Group. 
  4. Qatar Airways enjoys a superior ranking by travellers for its services than Etihad. 
  5. Akbar Al Baker is the CEO of Qatar Airways. On the other hand, the CEO of Etihad is Tony Douglas.  
Difference Between Qatar Airways and Etihad
References
  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etihad_Airways 
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qatar_Airways 

Last Updated : 14 July, 2023

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