Qatar Airways has announced an exclusive partnership with the multi-award-winning and globally recognized score composer and music producer Hans Zimmer, who will create a bespoke album of onboard music for the Doha-based airline.
The 67-year-old composer is renowned for his work on the scores for the 1994 box office smash hit The Lion King and the 2021 remake of Dune.
Born in Germany, Zimmer started off his career in London before moving to the United States, where his work quickly took Hollywood by storm. He now heads the film music division at DreamWorks Pictures.
Qatar Airways has dug deep into its pockets to acquire Zimmer’s talents to create what it describes as a new “sonic identity” for the airline with a “signature sound that will elevate the passenger experience onboard and beyond.”
Zimmer will create an entire album of the music which will be played onboard its planes, and will also be released on music streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
“We are thrilled to partner with Hans Zimmer to compose our new signature music, exclusively for Qatar Airways,” commented the airline’s chief executive, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer.
“This bespoke soundscape will be more than just music; it will be a reflection of our brand’s elegance and ambition,” Al Meer continued.
“Our partnership with Hans Zimmer marks a bold new chapter in the Qatar Airways experience, one that deepens the emotional connection with our passengers and enhances every moment of their journey.”
Al Meer took the reins at Qatar Airways in 2023 after former chief executive Akbar Al Baker suddenly and unexpectedly resigned. Al Meer has embarked on a mission to update the airline through a program dubbed Qatar Airways 2.0.
Qatar Airways has used music composed by local musician Dana Al Fardan since 2017. Her last musical score to feature as the airline’s boarding music, called The Ascent, has featured onboard since September 2023.
On Wednesday, Zimmer commented on the collaboration, saying it was an “honour to collaborate with Qatar Airways on this visionary project.”
“Together, we’re crafting a sonic experience that reflects the beauty of travel and the pioneering spirit that defines this world-class airline.”
Airlines in the Middle East have become known for their distinctive boarding music, framing an important part of a passenger’s journey. Yet-to-be-launched airline Riyadh Air has also spent a significant amount of money in creating its own ‘sonic identity’ as it seeks to capitalize on this passenger touchpoint.
Other airlines that are well known for their distinctive boarding music include the Australian flag carrier Qantas and British Airways.
Qatar Airways has not indicated when the new boarding music is expected to be released.
