Doha, QATAR: Qatar Airways has announced that it will be flying to the paradise islands of the Seychelles starting December 1, 2004.

The airline will launch four flights a week during one of the busiest periods for holidays to the idyllic islands.

The announcement comes as Qatar Airways gears up for an exciting few months with the launch of new routes, including Johannesburg and Osaka.

Once thought as the original site of the ‘Garden of Eden’, it is easy to see why the Seychelles have been added as one of the ideal destinations on Qatar Airways’ rapidly growing route network.

The diverse and tranquil islands of the Seychelles make up 115 islands scattered over 1 million square kilometres in the Indian Ocean, providing immaculate white-sand beaches, lush, tropical forests and spectacular diving spots.

“Qatar Airways is keen on establishing a route network that is as diverse in its selection of destinations as possible, to give our customers greater freedom of choice when selecting holiday getaways,” said Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Akbar Al Baker.

“There are few places on earth that can still be described as paradise, but the Seychelles certainly fall into that category, making it one of the most sought after destinations for travellers seeking complete serenity and tranquility.

“Qatar Airways understands the needs of its passengers,“ said Al Baker, adding ” from leisure to business travelers, we aim to fulfill the requirements, which is why we have sought an aggressive growth plan that has taken us to being an airline of choice providing 53 worldwide destinations in only a short time span of a few years.

“With the addition of direct flights to the Seychelles, we are certain that we will continue on this successful path to maintaining our reputation as the fastest growing airline in the world,” added Al Baker.

Qatar Airways will be flying to the Seychelles four times per week. Flight QR700 will leave Doha at 08:30 hrs on Tuesdays and Saturdays, arriving in the Seychelles at 14:30 hrs local time, and flight QR702 will leave Doha at 21:45 hrs on Wednesdays and Sundays, arriving in the Seychelles at 03:45 hrs local time.

Return flight QR701 leaves the Seychelles on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 20:15 hrs, arriving at Doha International Airport at 00:20 hrs local time, and flight QR703 leaves the Seychelles at 07:45 hrs on Wednesdays and Sundays, arriving in Doha at 11:50 hrs local time.