HYDERABAD, India – Qatar Airways marked its return to the India Aviation International Exhibition and Conference with the display of its A350 new-generation aircraft for medium- to long-haul operations. Making its first public appearance in India, the ultra-modern aircraft grabbed attention from visitors and VIPs with its custom-designed interiors and innovative design.
The Honourable President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, inaugurated the fifth edition of India Aviation, the country’s largest exhibition and conference on civil aviation, being held in Hyderabad from March 16 to 20. Also present on the occasion was Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, Indian Union Minister for Civil Aviation.
Qatar Airways, the global launch customer of the A350, recently celebrated one year of operations with the world’s most technologically advanced aircraft. The airline’s A350 now flies to four destinations – Frankfurt, Munich, Philadelphia and Singapore – across three continents: Asia, Europe and North America. Soon, the aircraft will be flying to the upcoming new routes of Adelaide and Boston, and also the second daily flight to New York.
H.E. Mr. Al Baker said: “It gives us immense pride to be a part of India Aviation 2016 and we are delighted to showcase our A350 for the first time here. We remain committed to India and look forward to developing our footprint to give the Indian travelling public a wide choice of services. This will expand opportunities for business and tourism, and create new jobs in aviation and allied industries.”
Like Qatar, he said, the Indian economy is experiencing robust growth. “Qatar Airways serves more than 150 destinations with award-winning service, and we serve more cities in India than any other country in our network. We fly to 13 Indian cities operating 102 passenger flights and 30 freighter flights every week. This market will always be a key part of our growth strategy, and we look forward to growing our presence in India.”
Qatar Airways celebrated one year of A350 commercial operations in January. Offering the latest in design and technology, and combined with Qatar Airways’ award-winning service, the aircraft has taken passenger experience to the highest level. Qatar Airways operates the largest number of A350s in the world with eight of this aircraft type in its young fleet.
The A350 is a faster, more efficient aircraft as a result of its tapered wing, marking an evolution in aerodynamic design. Ergonomically designed for maximum space and comfort, the A350 also has an extra-wide cabin, high ceilings and panoramic windows with electromechanical shades that go from transparent to opaque in Business Class.
A model of efficiency by design, the A350 is one of the lightest aircraft of its type, made from advanced composite materials and powered by two new-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This also makes it kinder to the earth, with 25% lower carbon dioxide emissions than with current generation aircraft in its category.
Currently, Qatar Airways operates every family of Airbus’ modern airliner portfolio comprising of the A320, A330, A340, A350 and A380.
For images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/qatarairways/albums/72157663677854853
Notes to Editors:
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 179 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents. Qatar Airways won Airline of the Year, Best Business Class Airline Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East at the 2015 Skytrax Awards. This is the third time the airline won the accolade of Airline of the Year.
Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. 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, with 14,250 daily departures.
In 2015 Qatar Airways launched Oryx One, an enhanced interface for its inflight entertainment system, increasing the number of movies and TV shows on board from 950 to up to 3,000. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 as well as select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the five-star airline’s on-board Wifi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s leaders in sponsoring global sporting events, including the strategic team sponsorships of FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC. Qatar Airways’ strategy reflects 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 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 on 179 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet now includes eight Airbus 330, eight Boeing 777 freighters and one Boeing 747 freighter.
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For further information contact:
Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 40222072, Fax: +974 40225350
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa
Website: www.qatarairways.com