DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways today announced a further expansion of its route network in Africa with Djibouti joining its ever-growing list of destinations served direct from the airline’s Doha hub.
Thrice-weekly non-stop flights will operate from Doha to Djibouti beginning from 27 July 2014.
Today’s announcement comes as Qatar Airways prepares for a busy few months ahead with the launch of scheduled flights to Philadelphia and Larnaca in April; Edinburgh and Istanbul Sabiha in May; Miami and Tokyo Haneda in June and Dallas/Fort Worth in July.
Bordered by Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia, Djibouti has an economy that is largely concentrated in the service sector and the country has limited international air services – a void Qatar Airways is set to fill with its huge international network of routes via its Doha hub.
“Djibouti is another example of Qatar Airways’ commitment to opening up access to destinations that are largely underserved by international airlines and have great market potential,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency, Mr. Akbar Al Baker.
“Just in September last year we launched thrice-weekly operations to neighbouring Ethiopia. We believe that these exciting destinations in the “Horn of Africa” have great potential linking up with key feeder markets in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.
“As an airline with an ever expanding global network of 136 destinations, Qatar Airways will be able to fulfil the needs of the travelling public from such markets, and for those wanting to travel there from destinations we serve around the world."
The Doha - Djibouti route will be served with an Airbus A320 featuring up to 12 seats in Business Class and up to 132 seats in Economy. The aircraft features seatback TV screens providing all passengers in both cabins with the next generation interactive onboard entertainment systems.
Schedules:
The DOHA – DJIBOUTI schedules, 3-times-a-week with effect from 27 July 2014 are:-
Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
Depart Doha QR1437 at 0010 hrs, arrive Djibouti at 0255 hrs
Depart Djibouti QR1438 at 0355 hrs, arrive Doha at 0700 hrs
For Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/qatarairways/sets/72157636002150846/
Notes to Editors:
Qatar Airways is the national carrier of the State of Qatar. Currently undergoing rapid expansion, Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 17th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 129 aircraft flying to 136 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.
On October 30, 2013, Qatar Airways joined the oneworld Alliance, becoming the first Gulf carrier to join a global airline alliance, enabling its customers to benefit from almost 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,000 daily departures.
Award-winning carrier Qatar Airways was presented with three honours at the annual Skytrax 2013 World Airline Awards held during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, France, last June. The airline was awarded World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Lounge and, for the second consecutive year, Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East.
During the 2013 Dubai Air Show the airline placed orders for more than 60 new aircraft – a mixture of Boeing 777X and Airbus A330 Freighters. In total the airline has 300 aircraft on order worth more than US $50 billion. The airline will move into its new hub and home, Hamad International Airport, from early 2014. For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com.
For further information contact:
Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 40302072, Fax: +974 40302069
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa
Website: www.qatarairways.com