Qatar Airways has won the 'Human Resources Investment' award at the 2021 Seatrade Awards, in recognition of its exceptional contribution to the well-being of thousands of people working in the maritime sector. The carrier also played a leading role in repatriating stranded marine workers, as well as continuing to support global supply chains. The Seatrade Awards are known as the "Navy Oscars" and are judged by an independent panel of experts representing the world's major maritime organizations, according to a statement by the national carrier. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; Qatar Airways has flown more than 500,000 marine workers home, as well as assisting them with the crew change process. In addition, Qatar Airways operated more than 130 unscheduled flights to transport more than 35,000 workers in the maritime sector. The airline's headquarters, Hamad International Airport, was also opened, the first lounge dedicated to workers in the maritime sector in the world, as a gesture of thanks and appreciation to those workers who helped maintain the continuity of global supply chains throughout the pandemic. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are pleased to extend our appreciation to our colleagues and friends in the maritime industry for this important recognition and recognition of Qatar Airways’ efforts. Throughout the pandemic, we have stood shoulder to shoulder to help keep global supply chains running during the time when we faced the toughest challenges in our modern history. In this spirit of cooperation, Qatar Airways has operated as many flights as possible to help transform crews in the maritime sector and reunite them with their families and loved ones. It is with great pleasure that we have been able to contribute to the well-being of workers in the maritime sector, in which they are the most important pillar.