Business

Qatar Airways to offer free laptops on US flights

Similar laptop proposal is being considered by fellow Gulf carrier–Emirates

Afp March 30, 2017

Similar laptop proposal is being considered by fellow Gulf carrier–Emirates. PHOTO: AFP

DOHA: Qatar Airways said on Thursday it will offer free laptops to business class passengers flying to the United States, in an effort to get round an American ban on electronics.

In a statement, the Doha-based carrier said it would begin offering a "laptop loan service" to those travelling in business class from "next week".

It's 'Business As Usual' on all United States flights with our complimentary Laptop Loan Service https://t.co/uYMWPHnltg #ElectronicsBan pic.twitter.com/kB31u1opuw
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) March 30, 2017

The computers would be collected by US-bound passengers from their departure gate just before boarding, said Qatar Airways.

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"By providing this laptop loan service we can ensure that our passengers on flights to the US can continue to work whilst on board," said the airline's boss, Akbar Al-Baker.

A similar laptop proposal is being considered by fellow Gulf carrier, Emirates, which is also affected by the US ban.

Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways meanwhile said it would offer free wi-fi and tablet computers to first and business class passengers on US-bound flights.

The move comes after Washington earlier this month stopped electronic devices bigger than mobile phones from being taken on direct flights to the United States from 10 airports in seven Middle Eastern countries and Turkey.

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A similar ban was also imposed by Britain, but this exempted some of the Gulf airlines, including Qatar.

US officials said the measure was intended to thwart possible attacks on airliners with small explosive devices hidden in consumer electronics.

COMMENTS (3)

rustam | 7 years ago | Reply While this alternate arrangement for business class passengers is appreciated, is there a guarantee that the loaner laptops are secure?. Likewise, is it also guaranteed that the software or data files that a passenger would need to be productive during long flight hours are available? On the other end, for economy class passengers, nothing is being provided by the airline.However, they can make their own arrangement, but it will be under powered. They can carry a mobile phone with a large enough screen to edit documents on but not so large that security officials would consider it a tablet. They can use a portable keyboard,and add the right Office Mobile app, to remain productive during the flight hours.

I am a Khan | 7 years ago | Reply good move...whatever they do people will still fly on the middle eastern airlines due to a good and professional service, international passengers will never prefer the pathetic US and European airlines due to the poor service quality...

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