Qatar Airways uses Jeepney to promote Cebu service

One of the most well-known and loved symbols of the Philippines - the famous Jeepney - will become an eye-catching attraction on the roads of Doha during the next few weeks as Qatar Airways uses the colourful taxi to promote Cebu, one of its latest destinations, throughout the Gulf.

Qatar Airways unveiled the unique jeepney at a special ceremony at the Philippine Embassy today that was attended by the Embassy's Vice Consul Ms Racquel Solano and Qatar Airways representative Mr Russell Pinto.

The jeepney will tour Qatar and be involved in various promotions, school visits and hospitals, before touring the rest of the Gulf for the next 10 months. It has already toured the United Arab Emirates as part of the Gulf road show.

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"Bringing the Jeepney all the way from the Philippines and customising it for a 10-month long road show is our way of acknowledging the contribution of the region's Filipino community to Qatar's and the Gulf's economy and lifestyle," said Qatar Airways' General Manager Commercial Mr Mohamed Saleh Fakhri.

"Qatar Airways began flying to Cebu in December last year attracted both by the business and tourism potential of the region.

"Now, we want the whole world to know how beautiful Cebu really is and how they can visit it in comfort with us," Mr Fakhri added.

He hoped that the constant reminder of Cebu and the Philippines on Qatar's roads would help promote the Far East nation to potential Gulf travellers and bring a nostalgic whiff of home to the resident Filipino community.

Airline Colours

Qatar airways has purchased and customised the Jeepney, with Qatar Airways colours and destinations painted all over it, which is a traditional taxi or mass transportation vehicle on the streets of the Philippines. 

Qatar Airways added Cebu as its second destination in the Philippines after Manila, from December 11, making it the 48th global destination to be served by the young airline.

Qatar Airways now provides three flights a week to Cebu in the southern Philippines. One of the airline's Airbus A300-600 leaves Doha on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays arriving in Cebu the following day after a stopover in Singapore. Return flights leave Cebu on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.