Operating four-times-a-week non-stop from Doha, the newest route will take the number of destination launches by the airline to 15 during 2011.
As part of the airline’s aggressive route expansion strategy to fly to diverse cities, Benghazi is yet another destination which is underserved and will benefit from new international flights.
Benghazi, Libya’s north eastern Mediterranean port city and major economic centre, is a key destination for trade and exports.
Many industries including oil refining, food processing, cement production and tuna fishing, reside in the surrounding region of Cyrenaica, of which Benghazi is the capital.
Qatar Airways has a well established presence in Libya, having initially operated services to the capital Tripoli eight years ago. Flights to Tripoli are currently suspended due to the political situation, but are expected to resume soon.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker welcomed the latest addition to the growing family of new routes introduced this year, saying: “Qatar Airways continues to strive to provide a network to cater for all travel segments, conveniently connecting through our Doha hub.
“Almost a year ago in Nice, I spoke about the possibility of expanding our Libyan operations, and I am delighted that we are now, within this short of a period, set to start flights to Benghazi, another key city in the country.
“We identified Benghazi as an underserved, primarily business destination, and now have the opportunity to bring this city into our fold.”
Qatar Airways will operate the route with an Airbus A320 dual configuration aircraft, offering 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy.
Benghazi will be the airline’s 13th route of the year, and precedes two other new route launches – Entebbe and Chongqing – starting on November 2 and November 28, respectively.
The DOHA – BENGHAZI schedules, with effect from 1 November 2011
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
Depart Doha QR556 at 0930 hrs, arrive Benghazi at 1410 hrs
Depart Benghazi QR557 at 1510 hrs, arrive Doha at 2050 hrs
Qatar Airways has orders worth over US$ 40 billion for more than 200 aircraft, including Boeing 787s, 777s, Airbus A350s, A380s, A320 Family of aircraft and Bombardier corporate jets. The rapid expansion of Qatar Airways prompted the State of Qatar to embark on one of its biggest projects – the construction of a brand new international airport in Doha, which is scheduled to open in 2012.
By 2013, Qatar Airways plans to serve more than 120 key business and leisure destinations worldwide with a fleet of over 120 aircraft. Today, the airline’s fleet of over 100 aircraft flies to more than 100 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.
Corporate Communications Department, Qatar Airways
Tel: +974 – 44496956, Fax: +974 – 44620132
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa
Web: www.qatarairways.com