Doha, QATAR – Award-winning Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines have signed a strategic codeshare agreement that will link two of the region’s largest airline networks.
The codeshare agreement was signed between Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and Dr. Ayed Al-Amri, General Manager Commercial Agreements and Haj Affairs of Saudi Arabian Airlines. The agreement will allow Qatar Airways to carry Saudia passengers on the Dammam – Doha – Dammam sectors.
The Saudi delegation to Doha also comprised of Mohammad Rushdi Fairak, Senior Manager Bilateral Commercial Agreements, and Mr. Nowaf Alharbi, Saudi Arabian Airlines Manager Qatar and Bahrain.
“This new codeshare marks a historic milestone for Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines and is the start of a long term relationship that will help strengthen ties between our two countries,” said Al Baker, speaking at a press conference in Doha.
“We look forward to a prosperous relationship with Saudi Arabian Airlines and a long-term partnership that is going to deliver additional value to passengers flying on the Doha – Dammam route.”
The bilateral codeshare agreement will be effective from February 1, 2006.
Saudi Arabian Airlines is Qatar Airways’ latest codeshare partner. Qatar Airways has a network of strategic alliances with a number of airlines, including codeshare agreements with Lufthansa, Malaysian, Alitalia, Garuda Indonesia, Thai Airways, All Nippon Airways, Philippine Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Yemenia, bmi (British Midland) and Air China.
Schedules for the daily Doha – Dammam flights are:-
Depart Doha International Airport
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - QR 710 at 0815, arrives in Dammam at 0910
Tuesdays and Sundays - QR 714 at 1635, arrives in Dammam at 1730
Thursdays and Saturdays - QR 714 at 2015, arrives in Dammam at 2110
Depart King Fahd International Airport, Dammam
Mondays, Weds and Fridays - QR 711 at 1005, arrives in Doha at 1100
Tuesdays and Sundays - QR 715 at 1830, arrives in Doha at 1925
Thursdays and Saturdays - QR 715 at 2205, arrives in Doha at 2300
Qatar Airways has established a reputation in the global aviation industry as one of the fastest growing carriers in the world, offering its Five Star service with unique hospitality.
With Berlin, the Kenyan capital Nairobi and the Spanish capital Madrid added to Qatar Airways’ network this winter, the airline’s global route map has expanded to 69 online destinations.
Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of 43 all-Airbus aircraft, which will almost triple in size to 110 jets by 2015. It recently announced plans to acquire up to 80 aircraft, comprising 60 of the new generation A350s and 20 Boeing 777s worth a total of US $15.2 billion.
Qatar Airways is one of the launch customers of the twin-deck Airbus A380 ‘super jumbos’ with four aircraft on order and scheduled for delivery from 2009 to coincide with the opening of the New Doha International Airport, a state-of-the-art facility being built on reclaimed land.
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is proud to be Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways has been awarded World’s Best Airline, World's Best Business Class; Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.
Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries.
Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 3,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways sponsors world-leading sports teams including FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message – Going Places Together.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s third largest international cargo carrier, serves more than 50 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally