KOLKaTA/DOHA: Qatar Airways is looking forward to further expanding its footprint in the fast growing Indian market, says it Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.
Speaking in Kolkata to celebrate the recent launch of Qatar Airways’ flights to the Indian city, Al Baker expressed his deep sentiments towards India as a solid trading partner with Qatar.
Kolkata joined the carrier’s expanding route network in India in July with the launch of daily non-stop services from Doha, becoming its 12th passenger gateway in the country. The airline also operates twice-weekly cargo flights to Kolkata.
“This is a market that is strong and full of confidence. We are eyeing more opportunities here in India and look forward to developing our footprint further to give the travelling public a wider choice of services they deserve, and the cargo community more flights to ease the flow of goods, produce and other shipments to and from India,” said Al Baker.
“Our recently-launched flights to Kolkata are a perfect example of being able to take advantage of the huge business opportunities that exist in one of India’s historic key trading port cities,” he added.
The Indian network covers daily flights to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, Trivandrum, Chennai, Bengaluru (Bangalore), with 11-flights-a-week to Cochin and double daily to the capital, Delhi
Al Baker said India played a key role in Qatar Airways’ infrastructure, being a key employer of Indian nationals, who represent around 25 per cent of the airline’s 20,000-strong workforce.
Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Al Baker said: “Today, Qatar Airways enjoys a robust operation in India with 110 flights a week, a four-fold increase from just a few years ago.” “And with the huge choice of one-stop connections over our Doha hub to scores of cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America and South America, Qatar Airways is providing a convenient and truly viable alternative to competitors,” he added.
The Peninsula
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