Update 26th February 8pm:
Qatar Airways has announced that all trials from now on will be open to all members of the public residing in Qatar. You can register to take part here. Trials will be held on the 27th of Feb, and the 4th, 6th, 11th and 13th of March.Â
***
Expats on Twitter are expressing their disappointment with a decision made by Qatar Airways to only invite nationals to take part in trials of Doha’s new airport, ahead of its official opening on April 1st.
Qatar Airways’ recruitment website clearly states that the trials are currently only open to locals. They will be held on Feb. 25 (tomorrow) and then on Feb. 27 and Mar. 4.Â
The decision to exclude expats was confirmed to us by Qatar Airways this morning on Twitter.Â
@toryscott Yes. In this phase. It is reserved for Qataris only. We’ll alert our fans in Qatar when there is a chance for other residents. MS
Twitter has been abuzz with people keen to take part, but it seems that expats who have expressed an interest will be disappointed – at least for now.
Some Twitter users have already expressed concern about the practicalities of the decision:
@mabdrabbo I am worried about the number that will turn up and how that will give them any results. @toryscott
@qatarairways @toryscott that makes no sense. Hardly a test. I thought the lounges weren’t even ready, no?
The $15.5 billion new airport is opening more than three years behind schedule.Â
Only low cost airlines will operate from the airport from April 1st, with Qatar Airways and other major airlines delaying their transfer to the new airport until its lounges are ready for premium passengers. Â
The delay in the fitting out of the lounges is the reason cited by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker for the late opening of the airport. The airline has taken the company Lindner Depa Interiors to court over the issue.
If you’re Qatari, and would like to take part in the trials, you can register your interest by sending an email to [email protected]. All three trials begin at 7.30 a.m.
Let us know how it goes!
Thoughts?
Credit: Photo courtesy of The Aviation Writer’s Facebook Page
