Qatar Airways giving out 21,000 free tickets to teachers

Qatar Airways — voted as the World's Best Airline in 2019 — is giving away 21,000 free tickets to teachers across the globe for their efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement issued Monday, Qatar Airways said the offer opened 4 a.m. Doha time (9 a.m. Manila time) on Monday, October 5, the World Teacher's Day. It will last until 03:59 a.m. on October 8 (8:59 a.m. Manila time).

Teachers can register online by submitting a form to receive a unique promotion code which will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

"We at Qatar Airways are incredibly grateful for the commitment and hard work of teaching professionals around the world who continue to educate our young people in these times of uncertainty," said Qatar Airways Group chief executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker.

"We know that it has not been an easy task, yet teachers have been incredibly resourceful, turning to online learning and other methods," he added.

Teachers that successfully register will receive an economy class return ticket to anywhere on the carrier's current network of over 90 destinations worldwide.

They will also receive a voucher for 50% off one future return ticket that they can use for themselves, a family member, or a friend. Both tickets are valid for travel until September 30, 2021.

Among the eligible teacher professions and job types are classroom paraprofessionals, teaching assistants and substitutes, intervention and inclusion specialists, tutors, senior leaders, early childhood teachers, student counselors, primary teachers, secondary teachers, casual teachers, ESL teachers, special ed teachers, teacher aides, vocational education and training (VET) instructors, pre-school and early years practitioners, and classroom technicians.

Participants must reside in a country where Qatar Airways operates direct flights through Doha, and will be required to submit documents to prove their occupation.

The required papers include an official stamped and signed letter from the institution or school of current employment which clearly states the occupation, country of employment, staff ID, or reference number matching the information submitted on the campaign registration form. copies or photographs will not be accepted.

Teachers are also required to present an employment ID or a reference number certificate. A reference number relates to a professional teacher registration number assigned by a Board of Education or Ministry Register.

According to Qatar Airways, teaching professionals from over 75 countries are eligible for tickets, and each country will receive a daily allocation staggered over the three-day campaign period. The allocation will be released at 4:00 a.m. Doha time (9:00 a.m. Manila time) throughout the campaign period.

Teachers that successfully register for the complimentary tickets will have "flexible booking policies," and tickets issued up to December 31, 2020 will be valid for two years with "unlimited date changes."

"As the largest airline flying consistently throughout the pandemic, we have also supported students in recent weeks by flying to wherever they need to be to start their studies on charter as well as scheduled flights," said the group chief.

"As an airline, we firmly believe in the importance of education and are committed to lending our support to educational causes," he added.

Qatar Airways in May also conducted a similar promotion for healthcare professionals, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. — RSJ, GMA News