Qatar Airways Confirms Launch Dates of New Routes

Qatar Airways has confirmed the launch dates of four recently-announced new routes for 2010 as part of the airline’s continued aggressive expansion strategy. The launch of flights to Copenhagen, Ankara, Tokyo and Barcelona comes during a busy five months for the airline.

The airline will begin daily non-stop services between Doha and Bengaluru, formerly known as Bangalore, from 22 February to mark the airline’s 11th Indian destination.

Then, beginning 30 March, Qatar Airways adds Copenhagen to its European network with four flights a week, non-stop from Doha, the airline’s operational hub. After Stockholm, the Danish capital becomes the second Scandinavian destination served by Qatar Airways – the only Gulf carrier serving the region.

A week later, starting 5 April, Qatar Airways spreads its wings further into Turkey with the addition of four non-stop services a week from Doha to Ankara, supporting its existing scheduled services to Istanbul.

And from 26 April 2010, Qatar Airways expands its operations in the Land of the Rising Sun with daily flights to the Japanese capital, Tokyo. The flights will be operated from Doha via Osaka, representing a significant increase in capacity for the Japanese market. Seoul, which is currently served via Osaka will be de-linked from the Japanese city to become a daily non-stop service from Doha, beginning 28 March.

Starting 7 June, Qatar Airways’ European network receives another boost with non-stop flights between Doha and the Mediterranean port city of Barcelona – after Madrid, the airline’s second Spanish destination.

Details of the airline’s planned flights to Sydney, its second Australian destination, have not yet been confirmed publicly.

“The next few months will prove to be yet another exciting period of growth with such diverse business and leisure destinations being added to Qatar Airways’ growing network,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker. “Passengers can plan their travels now that we have announced the launch dates of these great destinations and we look forward to welcoming them onboard to experience our award-winning service.”

With six new routes on the horizon, Qatar Airways will increase its global portfolio from 85 to 91 global destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East, North America and Australasia. The carrier currently operates a modern fleet of 77 aircraft.

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