^^ They don't always use the narrowbodied planes on that route.

^^ They don't always use the narrowbodied planes on that route.

True , they use 330's

^^And an A340
----------

Qatar Airways makes touchdown in Houston
Web posted at: 4/1/2009 7:13:53
Source ::: THE PENINSULA

http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/images/April2009/3qatarair.jpgQatar Airways’ inaugural flight from Doha to Houston is welcomed with a traditional fireman’s water cannon salute at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

DOHA: Qatar Airways last night celebrated the launch of its scheduled flights from Doha to Houston with its new daily non-stop service linking the world’s energy capitals and marking the carrier’s 84th destination.

The new route gives Qatar Airways its third daily non-stop service to the United States, supplementing existing daily services to Washington DC and New York City. It is also the airline’s first foray into America’s southern states.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker led a delegation of Qatar Airways executives, Qatari VIPs and media from across the GCC on flight QR077 as the inaugural flight from Doha made its near 17-hour non-stop journey to Houston.

They were greeted at George Bush Intercontinental Airport by a traditional fireman’s water cannon welcome salute, musical entertainment by a jazz trio, followed by official ceremonies, which included ribbon-cutting and speeches by business and government officials in front of local and international media.

http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/images/April2009/1qatarsir.jpgQatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker receives a proclamation from Houston City Controller Annise Parker designating March 30 as “Qatar Airways Day.”

Welcoming remarks were provided by Rob Wigington, Deputy Director of Marketing, Communications and Community Affairs with the Houston Airport System, and Houston City Controller, Annise Parker. Dignitaries included Qatar’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Ali bin Fahad Al-Hajri, as well as well as Texas government officials and Houston city leaders.

Addressing the gathering on arrival, Al Baker said: “On behalf of Qatar Airways, I am delighted to see our aircraft now offering daily non-stop services to Houston. After more than a year of planning, we are finally on Texan soil.

“Qatar Airways makes history by connecting the world’s energy capitals of Doha and Houston. It is with great pride that we are able to offer the business and leisure communities of these two great cities — and cities within the United States and across the Middle East and beyond — with a great new direct flight.

“With a flying time under 17 hours, this clearly is the longest flight in Qatar Airways’ route network and one of the longest non-stop services in the world using our two state-of-the-art Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft dedicated to this route.”

Added Al Baker: “I would like to thank officials at George Bush Intercontinental Airport for welcoming us with open arms. Passenger demand prompted this new route and I am absolutely thrilled we are able to bring our award-winning Five Star service to this wonderful gateway to America’s southern states and Latin America.

“Houston is the first new route launch for Qatar Airways in a robust year of growth which will see new destinations of Sydney and Melbourne in Australia; Goa and Amritsar in India; and two additional European points joining our growing international network.”

Al Baker explained that Qatar Airways was committed to developing its business and reaching out to the travelling public with flights and frequencies to give passengers greater choice. The expansion, he stressed, was part of the airline’s ongoing growth strategy — a long-term commitment to develop its route infrastructure as new aircraft join the fleet at an average delivery rate of one a month.

The daily service to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers flexibility and convenience to business and leisure travellers alike. The Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft operating on the route offers a two-class configuration of 259 seats and is arguably the most spacious aircraft of any airline flying from the Middle East to the US. THE PEN

Gulf Times (http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=282087&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16)
Qatar Tribune (http://www.qatar-tribune.com/data/20090401/content.asp?section=nation1_1)
Zawya (http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20090401031407)
Travel Daily News (http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/30185)
Ameinfo (http://www.ameinfo.com/190935.html)
Asia Travel Tips (http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news09/14-QatarAirways.shtml)
Fox Business (http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/houston-welcomes-qatar-airways-bush-intercontinental-airport/)
etc...:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tyY_P8DOBA

^^I think we should have a separate thread for Doha Airport.

reffering to massila post below

Qatar Airways plans $1bn expansion at airport

Qatar Airways plans to invest $1bn on infrastructure expansion at Doha International Airport to cope with rising passenger traffic and fleet size until the new airport opens in 2012, reported The Peninsula. The plan includes the increasing the seating capacity of the airline's Premium Terminal to 570, in addition to increasing the number of shower rooms, buffet and dining areas and an almost doubled duty free space. The airline has also announced that over the next 10 months it will add six new routes to its burgeoning network: Goa and Amritsar in India, Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, and two European cities. The carrier has also announced that over the next 10 months it will add six new routes to its network: Goa and Amritsar in India, Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, and two European cities.

Am still waiting for Doha-Penang, Doha-Langkawi flights !!

^^A few airlines serve those airports. And the're quite near KL anyway.

Am still waiting for Doha-Penang, Doha-Langkawi flights !!

As much as I wish, DOH-Lankawi will be in a million years, but DOH-PEN is probably a stretch, no way.. QR already serves DPS (Bali), in addtion to BKK, KUL, SIN, and JKT. I would love it can serve somewhere in the Malaysian East coast, like Sabah or Sarawak, or perhaps Brunei. How large are those places. I could imagine a DOH- Kota Kinabalu flight!

hehe....i wish they start flying to South America soon...Qatar airways has not a single flight to Brazil, Peru, Chili.....you name it...we even have a cuban embassy here that we are not in straight connecting to the country itself knowing that the cuban embassy here services the whole region.....

PS: why are Qatar Airways prices keeps on going up and up.....i remember when i used to buy the DOH-DXB-DOH for QR 700 or QR 800 at the max....now, i just bought one for QR 1500.....so i switched to Emirates this time even thought its the same price...but for the sake of landing in terminal C in Dubai's airport....i need to see it...hehe

^^A few airlines serve those airports. And the're quite near KL anyway.

As much as I wish, DOH-Lankawi will be in a million years, but DOH-PEN is probably a stretch, no way.. QR already serves DPS (Bali), in addtion to BKK, KUL, SIN, and JKT. I would love it can serve somewhere in the Malaysian East coast, like Sabah or Sarawak, or perhaps Brunei. How large are those places. I could imagine a DOH- Kota Kinabalu flight!

Why not DOH-Kota Kinabalu, DOH-PEN and DOH-Langkawi soon, why don't make sumthin different from EK? :cheers:

Both Penang and Langkawi are popular among ME tourists, and many actually would fly directly to the islands and skipping KUL. Can tap European travelers too- I think there are 15 daily flights KUL-PEN & 12-13 daily flights KUL-LGK, in qhich many seats are occupied by European tourists.

Needs feasibility study, but I'd be happy if they start 3X weekly DOH-PEN and 2X weekly DOH-LGK vv .

photos from my spotting session at RWY 34 Doha Airport

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/payrol2/DSC_0469edited.jpg

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/payrol2/DSC_0501edited.jpg

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/payrol2/DSC_0244edited.jpg

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/payrol2/DSC_0546edited.jpg

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/payrol2/DSC_0150edited.jpg

I recently heard Qatar Airways is to increase 3rd daily flight to Colombo. Anybody know if they have released the flight Schedules for the 3rd Daily flight??

^^Not yet. But they are studying it of a possibility of a 3rd daily flight.

@ahmad, I thought prices were going down.

I bought a ticket to Shanghai for 2,700 (last year it was 4,500)

Going to Bahrain was 840 now it's 750 :)

side note:
QA will now fly to Goa, Sydney and melborne :D

And 185 deliveries between now and 2013! :D:D:D

Qatar Airways signs $1.9bn A320 deal

Qatar Airways has signed an order for 24 A320-family aircraft from Airbus at the Paris Air Show

http://www.gulf-times.com/mritems/images/2009/6/16/2_297472_1_248.jpg
Akbar al-Baker shaking hands with Tom Enders after concluding the agreement for 24 Airbus A320-family aircraft during the Paris Air Show yesterday

Continuing its aggressive expansion, Qatar Airways has placed firm order for 24 Airbus A320-family aircraft, more than doubling its narrow body fleet. The deal is worth $1.9bn at list prices.
Announcing the major deal during the Paris Air Show yesterday, Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar al-Baker said the contract with Airbus included 20 new orders for Airbus A320 and four for A321 aircraft, which was announced at the Farnborough Air Show in July last year.
Deliveries will begin at the end of this year and be completed by 2012.
Currently, Qatar Airways operates 19 A320-family aircraft, and is the Middle East’s largest customer of this particular fleet. The new aircraft, configured with a two-class cabin, will be deployed to expand services on regional, European and southwest Asian services.
In addition to 19 A320-family aircraft, Qatar Airways’ current fleet includes four A340-600s and the largest fleet of Airbus A330s in the Middle East with 29 aircraft flying in the airline’s colours.
Qatar Airways also confirmed its commitment to International Aero Engines to power its new Airbus aircraft order. The airline has selected IAE’s V2500 SelectOne engines with the business valued at more than $700mn at list prices.
Al-Baker said: “The additional Airbus A320s and A321s give Qatar Airways a firm footing in the rapid development and expansion of our regional network.
“Qatar Airways is determined to grow with the world’s best aircraft at the heart of a modern and fuel efficient fleet, and this A320-family order will ensure that our narrow-body fleet is the youngest and best equipped in the region.
“Our latest order demonstrates Qatar Airways’ strong commitment towards continuing its aggressive global expansion strategy. Despite the current shifting economic climate hanging over many economies around the world, Qatar Airways has foresight with long-term objectives and planning which means continuing our growth strategy with vigour.”
Airbus president and chief executive officer Tom Enders said: “Qatar Airways’ partnership with Airbus dates back to the early 1990s, and we take great pride that it is stronger today than ever before.”

^^Those planes will be the first time to feature IFE or rather PTV to Qatar's narrowbodied fleet.

Qatar Airways was named 2nd top airline for 2009 at the Travel and leisure magazine. :banana:

Here (http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2009/results.cfm?cat=othercairlinesforeign)

Cambodia launches national airline

(AFP) – 1 day ago

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia launched its new national airline, Cambodia Angkor Air, in a ceremony Monday, giving the southeast Asian country its first flag carrier since a previous effort folded in 2001.

It is hoped the airline, a joint venture between the government and Vietnam Airlines, will encourage tourism and promote Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen said during the ceremony at Phnom Penh International Airport.

Hun Sen urged airline officials to compete hard with other carriers to "make Cambodia Angkor Air successful and ensure national revenue".

The last national carrier, Royal Air Cambodge, folded in 2001 after running up losses of 30 million dollars.

Deputy Prime Minister Sok An said Cambodia Angkor Air, which has capitalization of 100 million dollars, will officially begin flights on Tuesday, travelling to tourist hub Siem Reap and Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City.

Sok An added that the airline was expected to boost his country's tourism sector, but "the government will be not responsible for any loss and debt".

After the opening ceremony Cambodian and Vietnamese officials flew to seaside resort Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, the gateway to the famed Angkor Wat temples.

Tourism is one of the only sources of foreign exchange for impoverished Cambodia, which is recovering from nearly three decades of conflict that ended in 1998.

The kingdom aims to lure three million tourists annually by 2010.

More than 20 foreign airlines, including Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways, currently operate direct flights to Cambodia.

Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »

Cambodia launches national airline

(AFP) – 1 day ago

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia launched its new national airline, Cambodia Angkor Air, in a ceremony Monday, giving the southeast Asian country its first flag carrier since a previous effort folded in 2001.

It is hoped the airline, a joint venture between the government and Vietnam Airlines, will encourage tourism and promote Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen said during the ceremony at Phnom Penh International Airport.

Hun Sen urged airline officials to compete hard with other carriers to "make Cambodia Angkor Air successful and ensure national revenue".

The last national carrier, Royal Air Cambodge, folded in 2001 after running up losses of 30 million dollars.

Deputy Prime Minister Sok An said Cambodia Angkor Air, which has capitalization of 100 million dollars, will officially begin flights on Tuesday, travelling to tourist hub Siem Reap and Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City.

Sok An added that the airline was expected to boost his country's tourism sector, but "the government will be not responsible for any loss and debt".

After the opening ceremony Cambodian and Vietnamese officials flew to seaside resort Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, the gateway to the famed Angkor Wat temples.

Tourism is one of the only sources of foreign exchange for impoverished Cambodia, which is recovering from nearly three decades of conflict that ended in 1998.

The kingdom aims to lure three million tourists annually by 2010.

More than 20 foreign airlines, including Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways, currently operate direct flights to Cambodia.

Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »

Qatar Airways has direct flights to Cambodia?-i wish

Orphans onboard

A DREAM literally took off when Qatar Airways invited 100 children on a specially organised flight over Qatar. The joint initiative was aimed at bringing fun and joy into the lives of children -- many from the Qatar Orphan Foundation "Dhreima". Welcomed by Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker, who joined the event, the 45-minute flight took the children, their aides and local media on a journey over the state of Qatar. Most of the children, aged between 5 and 16 years, have never flown before, resulting in an air of excitement and anticipation as the crowds gathered at Doha International Airport for the special Airbus A321 flight.

To make the experience true to life, boarding passes were given out by the airport's ground handling staff before the airline's special guests entered the plane, and cabin crew provided superior Five Star service. Special inflight kids meals were served and all children received the airline's Oryx backpacks filled with fun items to keep them entertained during their next flights.

http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2009/959/orphans.jpg

Very nice, thoughtful and touching :|

hello there,

which one of you gentlemen posts on A.net with the id QatarA340 (http://www.airliners.net/profile/qatara340) ?
i have an urgent question.

btw, here (http://www.jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?aircraft=-2&airline=Qatar+Airways&country=-2&photog=30826&category=-2&year=-2&keywordrange=all&keywordlimiter=2&keywords=&sort=1&genre=1&size=-2&mainsearch=search&displaymode=1&display=15) are just a very few of my pics of QR, i have lots just havent uploaded many.

Thanks - Vishal

hello there,

which one of you gentlemen posts on A.net with the id QatarA340 (http://www.airliners.net/profile/qatara340) ?
i have an urgent question.

btw, here (http://www.jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?aircraft=-2&airline=Qatar+Airways&country=-2&photog=30826&category=-2&year=-2&keywordrange=all&keywordlimiter=2&keywords=&sort=1&genre=1&size=-2&mainsearch=search&displaymode=1&display=15) are just a very few of my pics of QR, i have lots just havent uploaded many.

Thanks - Vishal

That would be me! :D

Qatar Airways :cheer:


http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/200/qatarairways1.jpg (http://img341.imageshack.us/i/qatarairways1.jpg/)

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5077/qatarairways2.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/qatarairways2.jpg/)

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6416/qatarairways3.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/i/qatarairways3.jpg/)

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7994/qatarairways4.jpg (http://img138.imageshack.us/i/qatarairways4.jpg/)

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/1175/qatarairways5.jpg (http://img718.imageshack.us/i/qatarairways5.jpg/)

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/438/qatarairways6.jpg (http://img295.imageshack.us/i/qatarairways6.jpg/)

Nice pics.....:okay:

^^ Thanks Ahmad :cheers:

BTW did you guys notice how cool the globe master looks in the Qatar Airways livery ??? amazing plane !!

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/1633/qgm1.jpg (http://img819.imageshack.us/i/qgm1.jpg/)



http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/1623/qgm3.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/qgm3.jpg/)


Recently a new service of Qatar Airways opened, its called Qatar Executive :D

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2091/qe1n.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/i/qe1n.jpg/)

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/296/qe2.jpg (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/qe2.jpg/)

A330

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7596/a330k.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/i/a330k.jpg/)

B777 Cargo

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/7845/b777c.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/b777c.jpg/)

Qatar Airways lands in South America

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/images/stories/June28/5178376.jpg

:cheers:
DOHA: Qatar Airways has made its South American debut with the launch of scheduled daily flights to Brazil and Argentina.

Brazil’s largest city Sao Paulo and the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires have joined the airline’s growing list of destinations, taking the Doha-based carrier’s global network up to 92 points served worldwide.

The two new routes complete a five-month expansion programme so far this year which has seen the airline introduce flights to Bengaluru (Bangalore), Copenhagen, Ankara, Tokyo and Barcelona.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker led a high profile delegation of dignitaries and international media from Asia and the Gulf region on the inaugural flight QR921 from Doha to Sao Paulo and onwards to Buenos Aires.

They included Brazil’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Anuar Nahes and Ruben Caro, Argentina’s Ambassador to Qatar.

Airport functions, featuring a cake-cutting ceremony and speeches, were held on arrival at both cities, attended by government, airport and business officials, together with local and international media.

Al Baker, said: “Today was an historic occasion for Qatar Airways that would further boost economic ties between Qatar and both Brazil and Argentina.

“Today, I am proud to say that we have achieved a remarkable feat, stretching our award-winning Five Star service to South America by serving both Brazil and Argentina, which takes our international network up to 92 destinations across six continents. This is indeed a momentous occasion for Qatar Airways and all our staff.

Al Baker, said: “The timing of our new routes could not have been better and we are confident that entering the relatively untapped South American market will be a great success.

“With a large Lebanese and Japanese community living in Brazil, Argentina and neighbouring South American countries, the route is a perfect match for our business model, which carries passengers from East to West and vice versa via our Doha hub.”

The new South American flights offer excellent connections to and from key cities worldwide, across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific via the airline’s Doha hub.

These include Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, Beijing, Melbourne, Nairobi, Beirut, Dubai and Muscat.

During a four-month period starting in October 2010, Qatar Airways will expand its international route network further with six new routes, operating scheduled flights from Doha to Phuket, Hanoi, Nice, Brussels, Bucharest and Budapest.

The Peninsula (http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/55374-qatar-airways-lands-in-south-america-.html)

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/200/qatarairways1.jpg
What aircraft model is this?

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/1175/qatarairways5.jpg
This is a military aircraft belonging to the Qatari Air force, correct? Why does it have the Qatar Airways livery?


Thanks!

^^ Well Qatar Airways is a government owned airline... i guess it looks much better with the Qatar airways livery, it represents a nation ;)

^^ I agree ;) ;)
but isn't that wrong and confusing -military purposes speaking?

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/200/qatarairways1.jpg

this is an A380

Qatar Airways’ Tokyo route spurs Asian expansion

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/7807/qatarairwaystokyojun100.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/qatarairwaystokyojun100.jpg/)

JAPAN. Qatar Airways is exploring further growth opportunities in Asia Pacific following the recent launch of flights to Tokyo, its newest Asian destination, according to the airline’s Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker.

Qatar Airways’ direct daily services between Tokyo’s Narita International Airport and the Qatari capital of Doha, launched in April ahead of Japan’s annual Golden Week holiday, has become one of the company’s top performing routes within its first two months of operation.

Last week, the airline announced new routes from Doha to Phuket in Thailand and Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi, to begin in October and November 2010 respectively, signalling the airline’s commitment to the Asian market.

In addition, the airline is stepping up frequency between Doha and Bangkok from twice-daily flights to three services a day from the end of October. With Tokyo, Qatar Airways’ Asian route network currently stands at 15 destinations, representing almost 20% of the carrier’s global coverage.

“Qatar Airways is seeing strong demand for air travel from the entire Asian region and is planning to open up a number of new routes in this vibrant region,” said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker.

“The Asian market as a whole is one of our biggest in terms of revenue generation, and Japan is very much part of our success story in Asia. Having entered the Japanese market with flights to Osaka five years ago, and now Tokyo, we are very pleased with the response from the Japanese public for our latest route here.”

“Forward bookings for the coming months are exceeding our expectations. And we are expecting even further interest following the addition of Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires to our global network last week, becoming key South American gateways for travel to and from Japan via our Doha hub,” Al Baker added.

Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Commercial East Asia and South West Pacific Marwan Koleilat reinforced the airline’s commitment to Japan and Asia. He said: “Our new service to Tokyo Narita is yet another important milestone for the airline linking up with Doha, an ideal hub from where we offer customers excellent onward connections to Europe, Africa, Middle East and The Americas.

“Qatar Airways is able to capitalise on the strong passenger demand in Japan and across Asia, continuing to raise our profile by strengthening our relationships with the travel trade and the corporate market,” Koleilat concluded.

:cheers:

xvU2FIDMBrQ&hl

^^ Well Qatar Airways is a government owned airline... i guess it looks much better with the Qatar airways livery, it represents a nation ;)

But not matching at all.

The aircraft is ugly , while the livery is extremely classy and fabulous :cheers:

Qatar strengthens its foothold with Phuket flights

Bangkokpost Published: 10/09/2010 at 12:00 AM


Qatar Airways is expanding its footprint in Thailand by introducing Phuket as its second destination, adding a third non-stop flight from Doha to Bangkok and extending its services from the Thai capital to Vietnam.

That marks a big step forward for the flag carrier of Qatar in a move seen as an attempt to catch up with two other major Middle Eastern airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, which have already established firm footholds in Thailand.

Qatar Airways on Oct 12 will phase in Phuket to its growing network with a daily flight operated via Kuala Lumpur, becoming the first Middle East carrier to serve the southern Thai resort island.

Beginning on Nov 1, Qatar Airways will also begin flights from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with three flights and four flights a week, respectively.

Also on Nov 1, Qatar Airways, one of the few airlines recognised with five-star service status, will introduce a third daily non-stop service between the Thai and Qatari capitals.

Joe Rajadurai, Qatar Airways' manager for Thailand, Cambodia and Burma, said yesterday the expansion was meant to cash in on the increasing traffic demand in Thailand, which along with Asia in general is seeing roughly an annual 10% growth rate.

Qatar Airways, which started flying to Bangkok from Doha in 2001, will use high-capacity wide-body jets on flights through Thailand _ with B777-300ERs for Bangkok-Doha, A330-300s for flights to Phuket and services from Bangkok to the two Vietnamese cities.

Unlike Emirates and Etihad, which focus on offering their services to Thailand only through Bangkok, Qatar Airways is expanding beyond the Thai capital by putting Phuket and Vietnam through its Thai connection.

Adding Phuket and connecting Bangkok with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be a boon to tourism, as they will enable Qatar Airways to bring tourists from its global network, now covering over 90 destinations, to this part of the world, said the Sri Lankan-born executive.

Neither Emirates nor Etihad is serving Vietnam, a fast-growing market in Asia, while Qatar Airways has already been flying from Doha to Ho Chi Minh City.

Emirates and Etihad are using their code-share agreements with Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways to transfer their passengers to Phuket and other major Thai cities.

As part of its effort to boost the presence in Thailand, Qatar Airways has earmarked a "significantly" bigger budget for advertising and promoting the airline's brand awareness in the kingdom while appointing a new public relation agency in Thailand, according to Mr Rajadurai.

Thailand's political turmoil around May and June only affected Qatar Airways for only a few weeks, and the airline has since registered robust growth in traffic with up to 30-40% of its total passengers through Thailand being Thai nationals, he added.

Phuket City

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/3632/thailandphuket.png (http://img406.imageshack.us/i/thailandphuket.png/)

^^ That article seems to insist that QR "catch up" with Emirates and Etihad on the Thailand. It is already on par with Emirates and light years ahead of Etihad!

From alraya newspaper, C17
http://i54.tinypic.com/xms84p.png

Qatar Airways announces 100th destination

Qatar Airways today announced its 100th destination, a milestone for one of the world's fastest growing airlines. In a span of just 13 years, starting with only four aircraft to currently 91, soaring from 13 destinations to 94, the carrier has experienced double digit growth year on year.

The airline is ranked the third best in the world, and holds a string of accolades cementing its status as a high quality and service-oriented global 5-star carrier.

The latest route will start four-times-weekly flights to Aleppo, Syria, starting from 6 April 2011. Named as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest cities in the world, Aleppo will be the airline's second destination in Syria, after Damascus, where the carrier has been flying since 1998.

Qatar Airways is the first Gulf-based, international carrier to commence operations to Aleppo. The highly anticipated route will provide access to a global network spanning six continents from the airline's hub in Doha. A key benefit of the route is the link it provides to Syrian communities around the world, in addition to a variety of leisure and business cities.

The latest destination will enhance trade and boost economic ties with Syria's trading partners. Tourism will also see a strong surge, as visitors to the country have doubled since 1990 and will only continue to grow with the newly announced route.

The three-hour journey from Doha - Aleppo will be operated with an A320 in a two-class configuration featuring 12 seats in First Class and up to 132 seats in Economy. Aleppo will be the airline's fifth new route in its global expansion in 2011, following Budapest (January 17), Bucharest (January 17), Brussels (January 31) and Stuttgart (March 6).

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker, said, "Qatar Airways is delighted to commemorate our 100th destination by announcing our latest route to a city in our home region. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Aleppo is of strategic importance, providing links between east and west via Doha for business and leisure purposes."

The travel market in the Middle East is experiencing significant growth and one which Al Baker stressed Qatar Airways is well placed to take advantage of. With the addition of the new Boeing 787 aircraft, which will join the carrier's fleet in late 2011 and be deployed on regional routes, capacity and frequency will only continue to grow.

"IATA pegged growth in the Middle East region at over 23% in 2010 compared to last year. Our award-winning service and young and modern fleet will only propel our position as a leading global carrier," he added.

Qatar Airways flies to a number of key leisure and business destinations including Delhi, London, New York, Washington, Houston, Melbourne, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.

^^Wow that was quick!

Canada and Qatar airline deal set to take off

Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan — Canada and Qatar have quietly signed an aviation agreement that will allow Qatar Airways to fly three passenger flights and three cargo flights a week to and from the Gulf sheikdom.

Talks were successfully concluded on Oct. 25 after only three days of negotiation, according to Qatari news media.

The quick agreement with Qatar was in sharp contrast to a dispute between Ottawa and the United Arab Emirates over flights to and from Canada. It caused the UAE to kick the Canadian military out of Camp Mirage, a key logistical base in Dubai that had been used for nine years to support the war in Afghanistan.

Before talks broke down last month, Canada and the UAE had haggled for five years over greater access to Canadian airports for Emirate Airlines and Etihad Airways — an expansion that was strongly opposed by Air Canada and Transport Canada.

Air carriers in Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands also have strongly objected to the rapid expansion of flights to Europe by Gulf carriers.

Canada had not publicized the new air agreement with Qatar, perhaps fearing potential further fallout from its escalating dispute with the UAE. Newspapers in the UAE have not published any details of the air agreement between Canada and Qatar although media there usually cover the aviation industry very closely.

The UAE placed a visa requirement on Canadian visitors earlier this week. When the edict comes into effect in the coming weeks — on Jan. 2, — Canada will be the only western country whose citizens face such a restriction.

Qatar does not require that Canadian citizens have a visa before travelling there. In a sign of warming relations, Canada is to open an embassy in Qatar early next year.

Canada could retaliate against the UAE by cancelling the six flights a week that Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways currently fly to Toronto or by banning UAE aircraft from Canadian airspace as the UAE did when they refused access last month to a flight carrying Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Canada's top soldier, Gen. Walt Natynczyk. Such a move could cost the UAE's two national carriers hundreds of millions of dollars a year in additional fuel costs because it would add several hours' flying time and an additional stop to about a dozen passenger flights every day to the western United States and an hour per day of additional flying time to about half a dozen flights to the U.S. East Coast.

Qatar is a peninsula connected to Saudi Arabia which juts into the Persian Gulf only a few kilometres from the UAE's territorial waters. The country is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas reserves.

Qatar is home to Al-Jazeera, the Arab- and English-language all-news network, which is hugely popular across the Middle East.

Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East and in South Asia, has its forward headquarters in Qatar and the U.S. air force has a major airbase there.

The military was mum Thursday about whether Canada will try to negotiate access to that airbase for its military transports. Since being forced out of Camp Mirage on Nov. 3, passenger flights from Canada to Kandahar have been routed via Cyprus. Cargo flights will soon be added from a U.S. airbase in Germany.

© Copyright (c) Postmedia News

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Canada+Qatar+airline+deal+take/3812753/story.html

Canada signs air landing rights deal with Qatar
November 15, 2010 | 13:59

Canada has signed an airline landing rights agreement with Qatar, a Canadian government official said on Monday, amid a months-long air service dispute with the United Arab Emirates.

The Foreign Affairs Department spokeswoman declined to provide further details on the deal but media outlets in Canada and the Middle East reported that three Qatar Airways passenger flights a week, plus three cargo flights, will be allowed to land in Canada.

The agreement comes as a dispute over aircraft landing rights in Canada heats up between Ottawa and Qatar’s neighbor, the United Arab Emirates.

“We must manage a strong international demand for access to the Canadian market. The new agreement with Qatar is in the best interest of Canadians,” Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Melissa Lantsman said in an email.

She said the air agreement was not related to any other negotiations.

Media reports said the deal was signed on Oct. 28.

Despite heavy lobbying, the UAE has so far failed to convince Canada to allow its two major airlines, Dubai-based carrier Emirates and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, to increase flights to the country.

Emirates has been lobbying Ottawa to allow it to expand its three-day-a-week Dubai-Toronto service. It also wants to fly to Calgary and Vancouver.

The dispute escalated last month when the UAE ordered Canada to vacate a military base near Dubai which was used as a staging post for Canadian forces in Afghanistan.

UAE’s efforts to gain more landing rights in Canada has been fiercely criticized by Air Canada, which has accused the Mideast airlines of wanting to steal away connecting passengers that help make its routes profitable.

Allowing a foreign carrier like Emirates to take some of the most profitable connection traffic could have an impact on Air Canada’s ability to maintain its domestic service, threatening jobs, the Canadian Labor Congress said Monday.

The union group represents 3.2 million Canadian workers.

http://money.canoe.ca/money/business/canada/archives/2010/11/20101115-135956.html

Aircraft spotting at DOH

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7605/img9589v.jpg

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/7500/img95910.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8636/img9598.jpg

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7554/img95990.jpg

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1162/img96030.jpg

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/3381/img9605.jpg

http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/2359/img9613.jpg

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/5293/img9615w.jpg

Photos taken by me on 12/11/2010 :)

Qatar Airways plans ‘large’ A380 order
Qatar Airways will order a “large number” of Airbus A380 planes, CEO Akbar al-Baker said yesterday “We have five A380s on order and imminently we will order another large number of the same aircraft,” al-Baker told reporters in Budapest.

Gulf Times (http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=410843&version=1&template_id=57&parent_id=56)

a nice reward to france for voting for us!
merci monsieur sarkozy!

a nice reward to france for voting for us!
merci monsieur sarkozy!

Exactly !! omg this is the first time i agree with you ! and about the recent announcement of a new LNG terminal to be built in Argentina by Qatar... Thats too obvious.

BTW what do they mean when they say "large order" ??? Emirates have 90 !! if thats supposed to be "large"... then al-baker is in for a surprise that the new airport might face so problems in terms of parking space.... anything above 40 is too much (not saying that its not welcome ) take note that Qatar airways has 5 on order and 2 on option..

09 April 2011

The Boeing Co has secured orders for five B777 family aircraft from Qatar Airways, including three 777 Freighters and two 777-300ERs, for a combined list value of about $1.4 billion. Qatar Airways currently operates 25 B777s, which have become the flagship of its fleet.

Qatar Airways' fleet comprises eight ultra-long range 777-200LR, fifteen 777-300ERs and two long-range 777 freighters.

Boeing's 777 model is one of its most successful twin-engine airplanes. Boeing claims its 777 Freighter has unmatched capacity compared to other available airplanes and its economics make it an attractive option for airlines.

The Boeing 777-300ER is an extended-range passenger version of the 777 Freighter.

Domain-b.com (http://www.domain-b.com/aero/aero_mfg/20110409_qatar_airways.html)

April 10, 2011, 1:56pm

QATAR -- Taking the level of excitement to new heights, Qatar Airways has unveiled the long-awaited highlight of its 100th destination launch campaign a ‘two for the price of one’ ticket offer marking the biggest promotion in its 14-year history.

The Doha-based carrier has reached the historic milestone of 100 destinations last April 6 with the start of flights to the Syrian City of Aleppo.

Customers from around the world can book two tickets for the price of one on qatarairways.com/100. Terms & conditions apply. Bookings are based on the time zone they are booking from.

This never-seen-before Qatar Airways offer is valid for travel between 1st May 2011 and 10th June 2011, with travel to be completed by 11th June 2011.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Office Akbar Al Baker said: “The launch of our 100th destination is a great milestone in the success story of Qatar Airways. Since our re-launch just over 14 years ago, the airline has grown from strength to strength at a phenomenal pace, and this remarkable achievement of reaching 100 destinations would not have been possible without the loyal support of our customers, who have supported our business over the years.

“Our 100th destination launch is a perfect opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to all our customers, valued partners, corporate and leisure travellers for making Qatar Airways their airline of choice.

“Through this amazing global promotion, we are pleased to give back and to share this historic moment with our customers. It is also a great way for those who have never flown with Qatar Airways before to try our service and see how our Five Star service sets us apart from others,” added Al Baker.

The fabulous offer is the ultimate highlight of an array of promotions for travellers around the world to celebrate Qatar Airways’ 100th destination launch.

In addition, to the ‘two for one’ offer, Qatar Airways is running an online competition until 16th April 2011 on qatarairways.com/100 for which customers may sign up for a chance to win one of 100 pairs of free tickets to any destination of their choice on Qatar Airways’ network. Customers have extra chances to win free tickets if they refer the offer to friends.

Manila Bulletin (http://mb.com.ph/articles/313551/qatar-airways-unveils-its-biggest-promotion-ever)
:cheers:

Did you guys notice the big developments recently for Qatar Airways ??? look at the series of news:

Qatar Airways private jet division to double its fleet

Qatar Airways has announced its corporate jet division, Qatar Executive, will add three new Bombardier aircraft to its fleet starting from later this month. Forging ahead to meet the growing demand for business jet services from the Middle East and globally, the carrier has swiftly taken measures to increase its fleet capacity to cater to the surge in private travel in the region and worldwide.
Rest of article: http://www.ameinfo.com/263957.html


Qatar Airways to expand cargo fleet to 15 by 2015

Dubai: Aggressively moving ahead with its cargo expansion, Qatar Airways plans to expand its cargo fleet to about 15 aircraft by 2015 from the current five, according to chief executive Akbar Al Baker,
"We are planning to convert as many as 15 Airbus A330s into freighters, hopefully by 2015 depending on how many slots we get for the conversion from Airbus with their centre in Germany," he said, adding that some of the 15 planes may go into the airline's leasing arm "or we may even increase [the number] if there is a freighter demand because we have nearly 30 A330s".
Rest of article: http://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/qatar-airways-to-expand-cargo-fleet-to-15-by-2015-1.804337


Qatar Airways to acquire 33% stake in Cargolux

Qatar Airways plans to acquire a 33% stake in Cargolux Airlines International, QR CEO Akbar Al Baker told reporters in Dubai on Monday. “Yes we are, 33% ... We are to sign an agreement with them, in the next few weeks. We see there are synergies. Qatar Airways would like to expand and I always said we would only be interested [in other airlines] if they are healthy and well-established,” Baker reportedly told media. He did not mention the value of the planned transaction.
Rest of article: http://atwonline.com/airline-finance-data/news/qatar-acquire-33-stake-cargolux-0503
More about Cargolux: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargolux


Qatar Airways in talks on mega Airbus order

Qatar Airways is in discussions to place an order for 50 A320 NEO aircraft, the re-engined version of the medium-range A320, and for 10 to 20 A380 superjumbo jets, AFP has reported, citing a report by a French newspaper. The airline would also place an additional 50 options to buy A320 NEO aircraft and options to buy an additional 10-20 A380 planes, the Les Echos daily said.
article: http://www.ameinfo.com/264302.html

how about Doha- Mexico City ? Why is Mexico not served at all from Gulf ?

^^you're absolutely right, Mexico is so poorly served from the Gulf!


I heard from a friend that Qatar Airways will have more destinations than Emirates by year end. Really doubted that at first, so I tried to find out by myself:

- Qatar Airways: currently 100 destinations + 10 set to be launched later this year (Baku, Entebbe, Kolkata, Medina, Montreal, Oslo, Shiraz, Sofia, Tbilisi, Venice) = 110
- Emirates: currently 103 destinations + 2 set to be launched this year (Copenhagen, Geneva) = 105

If these figures are right, this is definitely true!
:banana:

Anyone can confirm this?

^^you're absolutely right, Mexico is so poorly served from the Gulf!


I heard from a friend that Qatar Airways will have more destinations than Emirates by year end. Really doubted that at first, so I tried to find out by myself:

- Qatar Airways: currently 100 destinations + 10 set to be launched later this year (Baku, Entebbe, Kolkata, Medina, Montreal, Oslo, Shiraz, Sofia, Tbilisi, Venice) = 110
- Emirates: currently 103 destinations + 2 set to be launched this year (Copenhagen, Geneva) = 105

If these figures are right, this is definitely true!
:banana:

Anyone can confirm this?

True, but EK has definetly a bigger network, multiple daily flights to Long Haul desintations like Australia, most of Europe, USA, so it flies more often

^^you're absolutely right, Mexico is so poorly served from the Gulf!


I heard from a friend that Qatar Airways will have more destinations than Emirates by year end. Really doubted that at first, so I tried to find out by myself:

- Qatar Airways: currently 100 destinations + 10 set to be launched later this year (Baku, Entebbe, Kolkata, Medina, Montreal, Oslo, Shiraz, Sofia, Tbilisi, Venice) = 110
- Emirates: currently 103 destinations + 2 set to be launched this year (Copenhagen, Geneva) = 105

If these figures are right, this is definitely true!
:banana:

Anyone can confirm this?

Mexicans love to travel abroad and they are quite outward-looking. And, their culture is almost similar to Arabs :cheers: like family value, very expressive personality and curious about outside world.

I also hope for Doha- Penang or Doha-Kota Kinabalu in the future .

Mexicans love to travel abroad and they are quite outward-looking. And, their culture is almost similar to Arabs :cheers: like family value, very expressive personality and curious about outside world.

I also hope for Doha- Penang or Doha-Kota Kinabalu in the future .

Ive heard of DOH-PEN, and to some extent DOH-Kota Kinabalu but still nothing firm. DOH-PEN sounds more realistic.

Anyone can confirm this?

Emirates currently have 111 destinations.

Source:http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/10/uk-emirates-expansion-idUSLNE74905I20110510

I would like to respond to the comments of Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, in the last issue of Aviation Business magazine, which referenced my speech at the International Aviation Club in Washington earlier this year. During this event, I was addressing a predominantly US audience on European perspectives for aviation in the coming year.

It would be foolish for me to pretend that the Gulf carriers are not a concern to AEA members, and I tailored my speech accordingly. The fact that it has provoked a strong response from Mr Al Baker does not surprise me. The other two of the Gulf ‘Big 3’ – Emirates and Etihad – have been launching ‘pre-emptive strikes’ against the European carriers for some months now, protesting in the loudest of terms their unblemished competitive character. Now the Qatar CEO has joined in the chorus of indignation and I find his arguments unconvincing, just as I have found the arguments of the UAE carriers unconvincing.

The Gulf is a booming region, of that there is no doubt, and the governments recognise the importance of aviation to their economic and social development. But the present and more importantly the future capacity on routes between the Gulf and Europe far exceeds the needs of the local market. Akbar Al Baker will never persuade me that his country of 1.7 million ‘needs’ an airline with the long-haul capability of British Airways, Air France or Lufthansa, yet this is precisely what Qatar’s orderbook amounts to. I am even less persuaded when just down the highway, two other carriers have equal or even more grandiose ambitions.

Of course, the Gulf Big 3 argue that they are merely leveraging their geographical position astride the major trade routes, and targeting transfer traffic in the same way that European and South East Asian carriers have traditionally done. This is fine, so long as the playing-field is level. The problem is that we do not believe that there is a level playing-field between the European and the Gulf carriers.



How can we believe that, when our competitors are institutionally linked with their governments and regulatory bodies, their airports and service providers? When there are no meaningful competition rules, no consumer-protection rules, as we have in Europe? When we have no choice of ground handler, or catering supplier, where we can only conduct business through an appointed sales agent, where we may not recruit from the local airlines?

Mr Al Baker asks how I can maintain that his airline, along with Etihad, has never made a profit, when I cannot possibly know since they don’t publish their accounts. I cordially invite him to open his books and prove me wrong. But this is beside the point; the order commitments of all three airlines represent a mountain of debt liabilities which, when measured against the companies’ net worth, are incompatible with the rational investor principles which underpin the competition rules that European airlines are expected to observe.

Contrary to his recent assertions, we Europeans are not afraid of competition. Our sector was liberalised in 1993, so we have close to 20 years’ experience of operating as commercial enterprises rather than national institutions. We find no such corresponding rules in the Middle East region with which we can build a common framework.

We have now heard all three CEOs of the Gulf mega-carriers, or mega-carriers-to-be, telling us Europeans that the problem is entirely on our side, and that if our governments really understood the importance of aviation, they would support us in the same way. Indeed, those are sentiments with which I can readily identify. However, we have no wish to turn the clocks back 20 years. Instead, we struggle to convince our politicians that the benefits of aviation to their citizens will best be preserved by an insistence on an international level playing-field.

Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus is secretary general, Association of European Airlines (AEA).

Qatar Airways begins new freighter service to Kuwait

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=433963&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Qatar Executive to double fleet size by August

Qatar Airways has announced that its corporate jet division will double the size of its fleet by the end of August.

Qatar Executive will add three new Bombardier aircraft to its fleet starting from later this month to make a fleet of six planes, the company said in a statement.

The carrier said it has taken measures to increase its fleet capacity to "cater to the surge in private travel in the region and worldwide".

According to the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), the number of private aircraft operated in the Arab World will increase from 450 today to 1,300 by 2020 with the addition of more than 800 units over the next 10 years.


http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-executive-double-fleet-size-by-august-398214.html

Qatar Airways to expand cargo fleet to 15 by 2015

http://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/qatar-airways-to-expand-cargo-fleet-to-15-by-2015-1.804337

Qatar Airways will push for daily flights to Canada, despite UAE row

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-airways-will-push-for-daily-flights-canada-despite-uae-row-397913.html?tab=Article

European carriers need to stop 'crying wolf': Al Baker

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/european-carriers-need-stop-crying-wolf-al-baker-397870.html

Emirates eyes 'several hundred routes' in expansion

From the competition

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/emirates-eyes-several-hundred-routes-in-expansion-398973.html?tab=Article

Qatar Airways begins new freighter service to Kuwait

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=433963&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Boeing sees ‘dynamic’ growth for Qatar Airways

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=434043&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Qatar Airways unveils three new routes

Qatar Airways on Thursday announced a further expansion of its international route network with Uganda, Azerbaijan and Georgia joining its ever-growing list of countries served direct from the airline's Doha hub.

Daily non-stop scheduled flights to Uganda's second largest city of Entebbe are due to begin on November 2, marking the carrier's first new route to the African continent since early 2007.

Four weeks later, effective November 30, Qatar Airways expands into Central Asia introducing daily non-stop flights to Baku which continue onto Tbilisi, the capital cities of Azerbaijan and Georgia respectively.

Thursday's announcement comes as the Doha-based carrier prepares for a busy few months ahead with the launch of scheduled flights to Shiraz, Venice and Montreal in June; Calcutta in July; Sofia in September and Oslo in October.

Unveiling the expansion plans in Dubai today, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the new routes further demonstrated the airline's ambitious strategy to continue opening up new routes to popular and under-served markets.

Baker further points out that Uganda is fast emerging as a regional trading center with links to Europe and the Far East, but has limited international air services - a void Qatar Airways is set to fill with its huge international network of routes via its Doha base.

The three newest routes will be operated with Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=77583551#post77583551

Weathering global turbulence

‘Qatar Airways' plans never get revised...we will always stick to our plans'

http://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/weathering-global-turbulence-1.807014

Qatar Airways wins Airline of the Year title at the 2011 World Airline Awards™

http://www.worldairlineawards.com/

THE WORLD'S BEST AIRLINES : 2011

1
Qatar Airways

2
Singapore Airlines

3
Asiana Airlines

4
Cathay Pacific Airways

5
Thai Airways International

6
Etihad Airways

7
Air New Zealand

8
Qantas Airways

9
Turkish Airlines

10
Emirates

^^ And Best Airline in the Middle East :D

Not to mention the Premium Terminal winning the best First Class Lounge.

Some more details....

World's Best Economy Class Airline

1. Asiana Airlines

2. Qatar Airways

3. Singapore Airlines

World's Best First Class Airline Seat

1. Cathay Pacific Airways

2. Etihad Airways

3. Singapore Airlines

Best Airline Inflight Entertainment

1. Emirates

2. Singapore Airlines

3. Cathay Pacific Airways

World's Best Business Class Airline Seat

1. Oman Air

2. Singapore Airlines

3. Qatar Airways

Best Premium Economy Class Airline

1. Air New Zealand

2. Turkish Airlines

3. Qantas Airways

World's Most Improved Airline

1. China Southern Airlines

2. Air China

3. Aeroflot Russian Airlines

29 Jul 2011

Qatar Airways launches daily non-stop flights to Kolkata

DOHA: Qatar Airways has widened its passenger flight network in India with the launch of daily non-stop scheduled services from Doha to Kolkata.
Formerly known as Calcutta, addition of the latest route reaffirms the carrier's commitment to India where it now operates 95 flights a week across 12 destinations.
In addition the Doha-based airline also operates twice-weekly freighter services to Kolkata, one of six Indian destinations where Qatar Airways already offers dedicated cargo flights.

The inaugural flight QR294, carrying a full load of passengers including international media, arrived at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport earlier yesterday to a traditional water salute welcome following its five-hour flight from Doha.

Kolkata, capital of West Bengal state in eastern India, is the country's third largest city with a metropolis population of over 15 million. It is also the commercial capital of eastern India taking advantage of its lucrative location on the Hooghly River.

Home to a rich mix of creeds and cultures, Kolkata boasts colonial buildings, monuments, elegant buildings and India's only tram system - the oldest operating electric tram in Asia - reflecting the days of the British ruling India.

With excellent connections from Europe, Middle East, Africa, United States and Canada, Qatar Airways' newest passenger route is expected to appeal to expatriates returning to Kolkata, as well as the international business community having strong commercial links with the city and surrounding areas.

Kolkata now becomes part of Qatar Airways' large family of routes in India that also covers Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Cochin, Kozhikode, Goa, Amritsar and Bengaluru (Bangalore).

Speaking about the airline's newest route launch, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: "Introduction of our latest destination has been well timed to coincide with the busy holiday season as families travel to and from India, one of our most important markets."

© The Peninsula 2011 (http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20110729060600/Qatar-Airways-Launches-Daily-Non-Stop-Flights-To-Kolkata) :)

They elevated the Doha-Dubai frequency up to 11 flights per day!!!!! By far the most frequent route in all of Qatar airways destinations, 77 flights per week :O

Qatar Airways To Fly To Chongqing In China

Three-Flights-A-Week Non-Stop To Newest Chinese Gateway From November 28

11 August 2011
Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways today announced plans to extend its presence in the People’s Republic of China with the launch of flights to a fifth gateway – the western city of Chongqing from November 28.

Operating three-times-a-week, the non-stop service from the airline’s hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, will take the carrier’s capacity to China up to 28 flights a week.

The airline already operates daily non-stop flights from Doha to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guangzhou and four-flights-a-week to Beijing. The new Chongqing services will be operated with an Airbus A330 in a two-class Business and Economy configuration.

With a population of just over 30 million people, Chongqing has a large industrial catchment area and is a prime example of Qatar Airways placing strategic importance into emerging cities around the world.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is one of the biggest airports in western China serving a large domestic market with limited international flights. Global access is typically via Hong Kong, Beijing or Shanghai.

Chongqing is a major manufacturing centre and a key transportation hub located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, a vitally important shipping waterway in China. With Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, it is also one of only four municipalities in China which report directly to the national government.

Main local industries in Chongqing are consumer goods and the processing of food, automobiles, chemicals, textiles and machinery. The city is the largest in China for the production of motorcycles and third biggest for motor vehicles.

Announcing the new route, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “China is clearly one of the world’s most important countries on the international stage, being a pacesetter in manufacturing and helping transform the global economic landscape.

“It is this dynamism of a country that we at Qatar Airways have been monitoring closely and delighted to be part of China’s burgeoning economic growth. With four routes in China already well established, we look forward to adding Chongqing as our fifth gateway by the end of the year.

“Qatar Airways is demonstrating confidence of doing business with partners in China and the opening of Chongqing as our newest route, particularly being an up-and-coming city that is underserved by international airlines, shows our commitment to a vibrant economy.”

“Since launching our first route to China in 2003 with services to Shanghai, we have steadily grown our business to become the Gulf carrier with the biggest network in the country, flying passengers to and from China, connecting them to all parts of the world via our Doha hub.”


The DOHA – CHONGQING schedules with effect from November 28:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

Depart Doha QR848 at 01:15 hrs, arrive Chongqing 13:05 hrs

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays

Depart Chongqing QR849 at 01:00 hrs, arrive Doha 05:00 hrs

Why :s is it an important city ???

Why :s is it an important city ???


Apparently it is. I just heard about it when they announced it!

Qatar airways launches new route between Sofia and Bucharest


A new route between Bucharest and Sofia will be inaugurated by Qatar Airways from September 14, according to Romanian website Business Review.

The route will operate four times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Fares will start from 139 euro. The Bucharest Sofia route is currently served with direct flights by Bulgaria Air and Tarom.

Qatar Airways, which is running a major advertising campaign, currently operates flights to more than 100 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America with a modern fleet of 98 aircraft.

http://www.sofiaecho.com/2011/08/30/1147373_qatar-asirways-launches-new-route-between-sofia-and-bucharest

So my question is, is it okay to operate flights between other cities that dont involve a stop in Doha ? how does this work...

is qatar airways Govt owned?

is qatar airways Govt owned?

I think its a joint public-governtment owned. But, its not fully gov't owned.

Qatar Airways Announces Launch Dates New Routes

(NewDesignWorld Press Center) - Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways is gearing up for yet another year of massive expansion with the announcement of launch dates for new routes in Africa, Europe and Australia.

Qatar Airways Set To Fly To Rwanda, Home Of the Mountain Gorillas
The African expansion drive is set to continue with scheduled services starting to the Rwandan capital Kigali on March 21. Zagreb will boost the airline’s European portfolio further with the launch of flights to the Croatian capital from May 9.
And beginning July 3, Qatar Airways adds Perth as its second route in Australia.
Ahead of the newly-announced launch dates, Qatar Airways is busy preparing for its 2012 route expansion programme which starts on February 1 with new services to the south eastern European cities of Baku and Tbilisi in Azerbaijan and Georgia, respectively. Plans are also underway to begin flights to Zanzibar (Tanzania), Gassim (Saudi Arabia), Mombasa (Kenya) and Helsinki (Finland).
At the height of the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the airline unveils its second Australian route, to the Western city of Perth. Since launching flights to Australia in December 2009 with direct services to Melbourne, Qatar Airways has been considering additional capacity Down Under and is pleased to soon offer Perth.
Last year, Qatar Airways’ expansion focused on Europe with the introduction of seven new routes – Bucharest, Budapest, Brussels, Stuttgart, Venice, Sofia and Oslo, taking its European capacity to 27 destinations.

Croatian Capital Zagreb Boosts Qatar Airways' European Network
The addition of Baku, Tbilisi and Zagreb is a significant move for the airline, probing underserved markets which have limited capacity. All three routes will provide excellent connections to diverse destinations across the airline’s rapidly-growing international network.
Kigali, rich in mining and a key African business centre, becomes the latest stop on Qatar Airways’ 16-strong city African network, which last year saw two destinations added on the Continent – Entebbe and Benghazi.
Operating via Entebbe, the daily Kigali flights provide excellent connections over Qatar Airways’ Doha hub to cities across the Middle East, Europe and Far East.
Flights to both Kigali and Zagreb will be operated with an Airbus A320 in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy.

Perth Becomes Qatar Airways' Second Australian Destination
Following on from a highly successful launch of scheduled flights to Melbourne, Qatar Airways is venturing further into Australia with thrice-weekly non-stop services to Perth. The route will be upgraded to a daily service from December 1.
The Perth route will be operated with the long range version of the airline’s flagship Boeing 777 aircraft featuring 259 seats, configured in two-classes – 42 seats in Business Class that convert into fully horizontal flat beds, and 217 seats in Economy Class.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the airline was expanding on different Continents as part of its aggressive growth strategy to open up new routes to key business and leisure destinations.
“We are delighted to be forging ahead with our expansion with today’s announcement of dates for three new routes on three Continents,” he said.
“These are exciting times for Qatar Airways as we begin our route expansion programme in just a few days’ time by inaugurating services to two European capital cities.

Qatar Airways To Fly Boeing 777 on Doha - Perth Route
“In keeping with our highly focused and tailored growth strategy to enter underserved and thriving markets all over the world, the latest additions very much match our plans to open up a host of new destinations.”
Added Al Baker: “I am extremely confident that the wave of new route announcements for 2012 will bring much excitement to our passengers and partners in the new destinations, as well as across our global network.”
Qatar Airways now flies to 110 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America with a modern fleet of 104 aircraft. By 2013, Qatar Airways plans to serve over 120 destinations worldwide with a fleet of more than 120 aircraft.

Launch Dates of New Routes
BAKU, Azerbaijan February 1 Daily non-stop flights
TBILISI, Georgia February 1 Daily (via Baku)
KIGALI, Rwanda March 21 Daily (via Entebbe)
ZAGREB, Croatia May 9 Daily (via Budapest)
PERTH, Australia July 3 Three-flights-a-week

The DOHA – BAKU / TBILISI schedules, with effect from 1 February 2012 are:
Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Depart Doha QR974 at 0830 hrs arrive Baku at 1230 hrs
Depart Baku QR974 at 1330 hrs arrive Tbilisi at 1445 hrs
Depart Tbilisi QR975 at 1545 hrs arrive Baku 1700 hrs
Depart Baku QR975 at 1800 hrs arrive Doha at 1945 hrs
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
Depart Doha QR976 at 1300 hrs arrive Baku at 1700 hrs
Depart Baku QR976 at 1800 hrs arrive Tbilisi at 1915 hrs
Depart Tbilisi QR977 at 2015 hrs arrive Baku 2130 hrs
Depart Baku QR975 at 2230 hrs arrive Doha at 0015 hrs next day

The DOHA – KIGALI schedules, via Entebbe with effect from 21 March 2012 are:
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
Depart Doha QR536 at 0800 hrs arrive Kigali at 1420 hrs via Entebbe
Depart Kigali QR537 at 1520 hrs arrive Doha at 2335 hrs via Entebbe
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Depart Doha QR538 at 0115 hrs arrive Kigali at 0735 hrs via Entebbe
Depart Kigali QR539 at 1040 hrs arrive Doha at 1855 hrs via Entebbe

The DOHA – ZAGREB schedules via Budapest, with effect from 9 May 2012 are:
Daily
Depart Doha QR947 at 0740 hrs arrive Zagreb at 1410 hrs via Budapest
Depart Zagreb QR948 at 1510 hrs arrive Doha at 2320 hrs via Budapest

The DOHA – PERTH schedules, with effect from 3 July 2012 are:
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Depart Doha QR900 at 0105 hrs arrive Perth at 1710 hrs
Depart Perth QR901 at 2300 hrs arrive Doha at 0520 next day

:)
source: newdesignworld (http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/481266)

^^ :cheers2:

Check out this angle!!
http://xl.skyscrapercity.com/images/city/20120128.jpg

Check out this angle!!
http://xl.skyscrapercity.com/images/city/20120128.jpg

Yeah its crazy, the runway is right in the path of the Qtel building! SCARY!

Qatar Airways has threatened to cancel its services to Maldives following planned moves by the private airport operator of Male International Airport to raise handling fees by 51 per cent.

http://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/qatar-airways-threatens-to-cancel-maldives-services-1.975041