Qatar Airways continues to fly high

Bucking the trend among many airlines, Qatar Airways boasted strong growth in 2016. The airline recently reported that it ended the fiscal year with an operating profit of more than $824 million, and had added 14 destinations and 19 aircraft to its fleet, for a total of 192 planes.

Qatar Airways also placed a record $11.7 billion aircraft order to support growth in the future and made strategic investments in many other airlines, including International Airlines Group and LATAM Airlines Group.

"I am extremely proud of the success that Qatar Airways has achieved together with our employees and partners in 2016," Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group chief executive, said. "I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to all staff for their discipline and tireless pursuit for excellence. I'd also like to extend my gratitude to our loyal passengers for their continued support."

Qatar Airways plans to launch 14 more destinations for 2017-18, as well as a revolutionary business class seat during the first quarter of this year.

"Our passengers will see a continuation of our commitment to providing the very best travel experiences in the year to come," Al Baker said. "This past year has truly been an exceptional year and, and as we turn to 2017 to celebrate Qatar Airways' 20th anniversary, I look forward to celebrating future successes with our employees, partners and passengers in the years to come as we go places together."