Airline Shows No Signs of Slowing Down its Rapid Global Network Expansion
Qatar Airways Reinforces Airline’s Commitment to Boosting Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina at Sarajevo Press Conference
DOHA, Qatar – In celebration of its fourth gateway into Eastern Europe and its inaugural service to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, hosted a press conference today at the Hotel Bristol in Sarajevo.
Following the arrival of QR293 on 31 October, the airline’s first flight to Sarajevo, H.E. Mr. Al Baker discussed Qatar Airways’ rapid expansion of its global route network. He also highlighted the airline’s commitment to boosting tourism levels in the Bosnian and Herzegovinian capital.
H.E. Mr. Al Baker, who hosted the press conference alongside Mr. Armin Kajmaković, Director Sarajevo International Airport, commented: “We are excited to have launched our direct non-stop service to Sarajevo. As our award-winning airline continues to expand its global network, we were determined to include this European hidden gem on our route map. Qatar Airways is committed to supporting tourism in the capital and neighbouring cities, by bringing global travellers from more than 150 destinations.
“We are also proud to serve local travellers from Sarajevo by offering them endless possibilities of connecting to their favourite business and leisure destinations around the world on the Qatar Airways network.”
The Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Qatar His Excellency Mr. Tarik Sadović, who joined the press conference, said: "The arrival of the best airline in the world, Qatar Airways, to Bosnia and Herzegovina is great news for the citizens of both countries. Good transport is the basis for the development of modern tourism and business. We are happy that Qatar Airways is committed to strengthening tourism in our country. Therefore, we must build a credible partnership in mutual interest and seize the development opportunity that will be provided to us.
“The Sarajevo to Doha direct flight will make the cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar easier in the fields of science, education, culture and sports. More than 100 nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina are working at Qatar Airways and they have contributed to its huge success. We emphasise that the launch of the Doha-Sarajevo direct flight is the culmination of diplomatic activities undertaken by the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Doha for the past three years.”
Mr. Armin Kajmaković, Director Sarajevo International Airport, added: “It is a distinct honour and an enormous privilege to welcome Qatar Airways to Sarajevo International Airport.The establishment of a Sarajevo-Doha route is a milestone, not only for this airport, but for Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole.
“Our nationals who are employed in Qatar now have a direct route, and other passengers will be able to reach almost any destination in the world with a single stop in Doha. Travellers from around the world will be able to add Sarajevo to their tourist and business itinerary with much greater ease. Moreover, all this will be possible with one of the best rated airlines in the world due to its modern fleet and extensive global route network. For all these reasons, it is indeed a pleasure to have Qatar Airways at the Sarajevo International Airport.”
Sarajevo, a modern hub for international trade, is a city rich in history and culture, with much to offer both business and leisure travellers alike. The city has many historical tales and stories to offer its tourists.
Qatar Airways, one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of aviation, will continue to expand its global network in 2017 and 2018 by adding flights to Canberra, Australia; Chiang Mai, Thailand and Cardiff, UK, to name just a few.
Now in its 20th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.
The award-winning airline has received a number of accolades this year, including ‘Airline of the Year’ by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, which was held at the Paris Air Show. This is the fourth time that Qatar Airways has been given this global recognition as the world’s best airline. In addition to being voted ‘World’s Best Airline’ by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’
Doha - Sarajevo Flight Schedule:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Doha (DOH) to Sarajevo (SJJ) QR293 departs: 07:00 arrives: 11:00
Sarajevo (SJJ) to Doha (DOH) QR294 departs: 12:00 arrives: 19:20
Sunday
Doha (DOH) to Sarajevo (SJJ) QR293 departs: 06:25 arrives: 10:25
Sarajevo (SJJ) to Doha (DOH) QR294 departs: 11:25 arrives: 18:45
For Images : https://www.flickr.com/photos/qatarairways/albums/72157688686569974
Notes to Editors:
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is celebrating 20 years of Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations. The world’s fastest-growing airline will add a number of exciting new destinations to its growing network in 2017/18, including St. Petersburg, Russia; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Canberra, Australia and many more, flying passengers on board its modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was recently named ‘Airline of the Year’ by the 2017 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class,’ ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’
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.
Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 4,000 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, the official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting events, including the FIFA 2018 and 2022 World Cups, 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 60 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its world-class Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally with more than 200 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet includes eight Airbus A330 freighters, 12 Boeing 777 freighters and one Boeing 747-8 freighter.
For further information, please contact:
Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 4022 2200