Qatar Airways Sponsors Prestigious Foreign Press Association Awards in London

Qatar Airways continued its support of the UK-based Foreign Press Association’s prestigious annual awards function in which the airline sponsored the main award of the night – Journalist of the Year.

The lavish gathering of leading UK and international journalists took place at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel in central London in the presence of chief guests, Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess of Asturias.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker hosted select media during the night, which attracted more than 400 guests, including Ambassadors, politicians and business leaders to celebrate excellence in television, print, radio and web-based journalism.

The event, in its 10th anniversary year, was compered by British television and radio personality Sandi Toksvig.

Journalists in 11 categories were honoured at the awards function, where Prince Asturias, His Royal Highness Prince Felipe – Heir to the Spanish throne – spoke about the long-standing warmth and relationship between Britain and Spain.

Prince Asturias is a champion of forging greater understanding between different cultures and spends a lot of time, in particular, promoting the Spanish language and culture overseas. He has a Foundation which promotes science, culture and the humanities. His wife, Princess Letizia is a former award-winning TV journalist.

Al Baker presented the main award – Journalist of the Year – to Martin Hickman, of leading British newspaper The Independent, for his environment story on the hidden cost of consumer demand for palm oil in everyday high street shopping and its devastating impact on the jungles of south-east Asia, native people and contribution to greenhouse gases.

Al Baker also presented Martin Hickman with a pair of round-trip Business Class tickets between the UK and Melbourne to celebrate the launch of the airline’s new route to Australia, which starts on 6 December 2009.

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