I realize I care more about airline boarding music than most. I’ve written in the past about Qatar Airways’ amazing boarding music. Well, I just learned a bit more about the person behind it, and now I’m even more of a fan…
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.
Last year, Qatar Airways started playing the newest track, known as “The Ascent.”
Prior to that, 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.”
At this point all three 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.”
Even before being responsible for the boarding music on Qatar Airways, Al Fardan composed the official song for Doha’s Hamad International Airport, known as “The Beginning.”
I sure hope that this isn’t the end of the partnership between Qatar Airways and Al Fardan, and that there are more new tracks in the future.
I’m really impressed by Dana Al Fardan!
I was browsing the inflight entertainment selection on a Qatar Airways flight yesterday, and noticed there was a 15-minute show dedicated to Al Fardan. It gave me a whole new appreciation for her passion for music.
I also think it’s cool to see a Qatari woman who maybe doesn’t match the stereotype that people have in their head about the country and culture.
Truth be told, I’ve now downloaded all kinds of music from Al Fardan, and I’m not even talking about the boarding music. Her music is simply beautiful — it’s calming and uplifting.
When it comes to music from the Gulf region, it’s a bit more wholesome than the popular “Habibi Come To Dubai” track.
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 what I’d consider to be the world’s best boarding music track. We’ve now seen three tracks all produced by Qatari composer Dana Al Fardan. I hope that this isn’t the end of the collaboration between the airline and Al Fardan, because she’s an amazingly talented artist.
I particularly enjoyed learning a bit more about her life through a short video that’s available through the carrier’s inflight entertainment. It’s always nice to put a face to an artist.
Anyone else enjoy Qatar Airways’ boarding music as much as I do? Which of the three tracks is your favorite?
Good to hear something else other than Gershwin! Does United still have that as their boarding music?
@Lucky, you should check out Zade Dirani - very talented Jordanian pianist and composer - his track Amman has been Royal Jordanian's boarding music for years - and I believe still is.
Actually, I almost couldn’t care less about boarding music - unless it is too loud.
And when I usually do not have to complain about anything when flying QR, this is actually the one thing which I hate about them; the far too loud boarding music.
Everyone of us has a different taste of music and likes different styles. I can live with almost any boarding music - as long as it is not too...
Actually, I almost couldn’t care less about boarding music - unless it is too loud.
And when I usually do not have to complain about anything when flying QR, this is actually the one thing which I hate about them; the far too loud boarding music.
Everyone of us has a different taste of music and likes different styles. I can live with almost any boarding music - as long as it is not too loud and is really only audible as soft background music. And on my recent QR flights it was always too loud. REALLY ANNOYING!
Ben your love for all these small and sometimes obscure details has made me a huge fan of your blog. Keep up the curiosity!
Dana Al Fardan is a lovely person when you know her personally as well, so I can't agree more with this article.
With regards to boarding music, I once was on an airplane playing Skyfall from Adele. It's been in a highly regarded airline but I found the choice quite insensitive and inappropriate.
Agree they boarding music is super-important. You can tell from the airlines who don't have it.
Thanks for sharing this; I look forward to listening to more of her music!
I liked QR's original version too. And I REALLY miss Emirates boarding music. I wish they'd bring it back or update it.