CHENGDU, China – Qatar Airways held a press conference in Chengdu today to officially announce its scheduled flights to Chengdu, the airline’s sixth destination to China.

The head table delegation included representatives from the Chengdu government and Qatar Airways, the Deputy Mayor of Chengdu Liu Shoucheng, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, and the airline’s Country Manager for Greater China, Jared Lee.

Also present at the press conference were Qatar's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, His Excellency Hamad Mohamed Al-Khalifa and the Chinese Ambassador to Qatar, His Excellency Gao Youzhen.

Addressing the press at the Shangri-La Chengdu hotel today,  CEO Akbar Al Baker emphasized Qatar Airways’ ongoing commitment to the Chinese market, and its desire to boost services to the Asia Pacific region.

“As a route, Chengdu has great potential when linked with key markets in Europe, the Americas and other parts of the world; now all easily accessible via Doha through a convenient non-stop flight,” said Al Baker. 

“With the launch of our sixth gateway to China, Qatar Airways has progressively developed our operations and business in the Asia Pacific region,” continued Al Baker. “Chengdu is a thriving economic and tourism powerhouse, and we look forward to bringing more passengers from and to Chengdu, helping to further boost leisure and business travel in China.”

Al Baker reinforced to the media that the airline’s commitment to China goes beyond establishing trade and commercial ties. He expressed Qatar Airways’ firm belief in corporate social responsibility, and he spoke about Qatar Airways’ Hope School which the airline helped rebuild following the Sichuan Earthquake in 2008. The Hope School is part of Qatar Airways’ strategy to contribute to relief efforts and help local communities rebuild their lives.

During the press conference, Al Baker gave further praise to China and Qatar’s current prosperous relationship. Special thanks were sent to the central administration and local government for smoothly and efficiently establishing yet another vibrant air corridor in China, enabling greater traffic flows to and from the two nations and beyond.

The new thrice weekly flights from Chengdu now join Qatar Airways’ five other Chinese gateways - Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Chongqing. This brings the total number to 130 destinations offered by Qatar Airways worldwide via Doha.

As the world’s five-star airline, Qatar Airways is constantly focused on delivering award-winning services to all passengers worldwide. Having recently been invited to join the oneworld group, and winning Best Airline in the Middle East for the seventh year running, Qatar Airways has made its mark as a highly esteemed player in the aviation industry.

Furthermore,  as part of an aggressive expansion strategy, Qatar Airways will continue to further increase its global network, connecting both business and leisure travellers to tourism hotspots, key business markets and underserved cities around the world.

Flight schedules, between Chengdu and Doha, are as follows:

DOHA – CHENGDU: 3-times-a-week, effective September 3, 2013.
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
QR884   Depart Doha at 0200 hrs              Arrive Chengdu at 1430 hrs   
                                                                                               
CHENGDU – DOHA: 3-times-a-week, effective September 3, 2013.
Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
QR885   Depart Chengdu at 0100 hrs       Arrive Doha at 0350 hrs