Qatar Airways has launched its second destination in Thailand following the start of scheduled flights to Phuket.
The Thai holiday resort island becomes the airline's 93rd destination and the eighth new route launched by Qatar Airways so far in 2010. The flights operate from Doha to Phuket via Kuala Lumpur and are scheduled to provide connections from several of Qatar Airways ' key markets in Europe, which form the bulk of tourist traffic to the holiday island.
The Phuket services are part of an overall capacity increase to Thailand, which sees Qatar Airways boost its Doha - Bangkok frequencies from twice daily flights to triple daily effective from November 1.
An arrival ceremony took place following the inaugural flight into Phuket International Airport. Senior government and airport personnel presided over the official welcome.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said that the airline's route to Thailand's largest island reinforced the airline's commitment to target undeserved markets.
"Visitor numbers to Phuket are on the rise and Qatar Airways will look to take advantage of our European connections from countries like Russia, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, the UK and other parts of Europe to bring them to Phuket," said Al Baker.
On board the airline's first flight to Phuket was Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Commercial East Asia & Southwest Pacific Marwan Koleilat, who said that the airline will also target outbound business traffic from across the southern Thai province.
"As the second wealthiest region in Thailand, Phuket Province is an ideal city for Qatar Airways
to serve. It has a population of over 1.5 million, which swells during the tourist season, and the airline is ready to welcome on board local executives and, in particular international hotel brands who will benefit from the convenience and connectivity that this flight creates," said Koleilat.
He thanked the local authorities for their efforts and assistance in supporting Qatar Airways
will exercise fifth freedom traffic rights which allow the airline to sell tickets between Phuket and Kuala Lumpur.
18 October 2010 [ from zawya ]
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