SINGAPORE: Doha's national flag carrier Qatar Airways' maiden non-stop flight to Singapore touched down at Changi Airport this morning - as the airline continues to expand its route network and increase its premium services throughout the Far East.
A senior delegation of Qatar Airways officials led by Mr Mohammed Saleh Fakhri, General Manager Commercial; Mr Ali Al Rais, Regional Manager Gulf, Yemen, Iran and CIS, and Mr Fathi Al Shehab, Regional Manager for Qatar and Africa, was welcomed by the airline's Mr Marwan Koleilat, Regional Manager Far East. Senior airport officials and the media witnessed the arrival of the inaugural flight.
"Singapore represents Qatar Airways' continuing commitment to introduce its high quality service into the very heart of the Far East," Mr Fakhri said following a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the start of the service.
"As we continue to build an international route network of 60 destinations during the next two years, Qatar Airways will offer the people of the Far East a greater choice of destination, the latest in-flight services, new aircraft and Qatar Airways' world-class premium service," he declared.
Rapid Expansion
"We have recently placed a US$ 5.1 billion order for 34 Airbus aircraft to ensure that the people of the Far East fly with one of the youngest fleets in the world.
"We are also investing US$ 2.5 billion in a new Doha International Airport which will give our passengers connecting times of 30 minutes and an unrivalled airport experience.
"Qatar Airways remains committed to being a leader in airline quality service. People travelling with Qatar Airways will be getting one of the world's leading airline services," he added.
Heart of Asia
Mr Fakhri said Singapore is the airline's 47th destination and becomes part of a growing Qatar Airways network in the Far East that includes Seoul, Shanghai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Cebu in the southern Philippines.
"We're excited that we can offer our passengers the choice of Singapore which remains the very heart of Asia and provides visitors with a wonderful flavour of Asia," said Mr Fakhri.
"Singapore is also a major commercial centre and transport hub in the Asia-Pacific rim, and we are pleased we can now offer the city and its business opportunities to our business clientele," said Mr Fakhri.
Mr Fakhri said Singapore is the airline's 47th destination and becomes part of a growing Qatar Airways network in the Far East that includes Seoul, Shanghai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Cebu in the southern Philippines.
"We're excited that we can offer our passengers the choice of Singapore which remains the very heart of Asia and provides visitors with a wonderful flavour of Asia," said Mr Fakhri.
"Singapore is also a major commercial centre and transport hub in the Asia-Pacific rim, and we are pleased we can now offer the city and its business opportunities to our business clientele," said Mr Fakhri.
Qatar Airways presently has a fleet of 29 Airbus aircraft that includes: five A330s, 12 A320s, nine A300s, one A300 cargo freighter, and two A319 Corporate Jetliners.
Three leased A320s will be retired from the Qatar Airways fleet during 2004.
Qatar Airways Corporate Communications
Tel: +974 4496956, Fax: +974 4620132
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa