I realize I care more about airline boarding music than most, but I just wanted to give Qatar Airways a quick shoutout, as the airline has just released yet another new boarding music track.
In this post:
Qatar Airways’ brilliant boarding music trilogy
Qatar Airways has long played a custom boarding music track, which many people associate with the airline. Qatar Airways has taken such an awesome approach to this, as the carrier’s music is composed by Dana Al Fardan, who is a Qatari composer and songwriter.
What’s so cool is that she didn’t just produce one track for the airline, but she has actually composed three distinct tracks, which have been released over time.
Just recently, Qatar Airways started playing the newest track, known as “The Ascent.”
Prior to that, and up until recently, the airline played “The Dawn” as the standard boarding music.
And then there was the original track that debuted before that, which was known as “The Awakening.”
With the latest boarding music having now been released, all three of the tracks from Al Fardan are out. Gosh, I just love all three of them, and think they set such a good tone for boarding, as they’re calming. I also love when airlines highlight local culture, so it’s cool how Qatar Airways commissioned a Qatari composer for the job.
While I love all three tracks, I think “The Awakening” is my favorite, followed by “The Dawn,” followed by “The Ascent.”
While we’re on the topic of Al Fardan, it’s worth noting that Doha’s Hamad International Airport also has an official song, named “The Beginning.” This was also composed by her.
Why I like and care about airline boarding music
I’ve written frequently in the past about my favorite airline boarding music. Why do I find airline boarding music to be so interesting? Well, there are a few reasons:
- An airline that puts thought into its boarding music is typically going to be a detail-oriented company, and it very much sets the tone for the attention to detail you can expect; it’s no surprise that many of my favorite airline brands also have among my favorite boarding music
- Many of us associate various experiences in life with certain music; travel is a big part of many peoples’ lives, and the music we hear as we board a plane may be memorable to us
- Boarding can be a stressful time for passengers, so having a calming track in the background can nicely counter that
- To be honest, I literally listen to airline boarding music for hours per day, as it’s the perfect background music while working; there are typically no vocals, and I find it to be soothing
Bottom line
Qatar Airways has recently started playing its latest boarding music track, which is the third and last track from Qatari composer Dana Al Fardan. I love all three of the songs, and I hope the airline works with the same composer in the future on more tracks.
Anyone else enjoy Qatar Airways’ boarding music as much as I do? Which of the three tracks is your favorite?
Etihad Airways (old) boarding music is still my favourite and is quite nostalgic. it brings back the golden age of Etihad.
Awakening is really the only one I enjoy; the remaining two don't compare
Love the boarding music. It's an important part of the overall experience, for sure. All three selections here are excellent.
Very soothing and entertaining
Thank you for this (and so many other) vital community announcements - I would not otherwise have come across this gorgeous soundtrack! And I am another vote for 'The Awakening'.
I really enjoy the Qatar boarding music, and the whole experience. I also like the Turkish music, anyone remember the old ear worm ‘We are Turkish Airlines, we are Turkish airlines, we are globally yours’
I wanna give Qatar a shout out too
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231007-qatar-holds-israel-responsible-for-escalation-in-gaza/
Idiots
They're correct though. It seems you like supporting fascists.
No more money from me and most civilized people to a state owned supporter of terrorists.
Agree Awakening is best. Most memorable and most characterful.
The most memorable music is Cathay's old boarding music (...and also used for TV adverts) They used "Love's Theme", as their music. There is a great video online; with this music and great nostalgic visuals. Whenever i hear a modern re-mix of this, I immediately hark-back to my Kai Tak school-holidays flights from/to London.
I love the Awakening but I like ANAs boarding music just a bit more…that one I can loop over and over.
It’s always quite calming -meanwhile try looking for DOH TLV … destinations removed from website
Cool!
Classy! Thanks for sharing this.
This is excellent boarding music. One of the best in the world. If only it weren’t produced for the national airline of a country that commits human rights violations.
I personally love the first one the most.
I flew Qatar for the first time 5 years ago in August 2018, and I've continued flying with them atleast once a year since. Everytime I fly them, it is for a memorable trip. So everytime I hear their music at home, I always have amazing feelings pop up which I associate with those memories.
Just notice so many airlines do not even have a boarding music any more, so sad. Probably they are cutting the costs lol
I noticed this on my flight a week ago