Qatar Airways wrapped up a hugely successful Paris Air Show by announcing that it was increasing flights between Doha and Paris to twice-daily services – up from the current 11 frequencies a week.
The additional services, effective from the start of the Northern Winter schedules on October 25, will strengthen Qatar Airways’ operations in Europe and offer passengers more choice with increased connectivity to points across the Middle East, South Asia and the Far East.
The announcement comes as icing on the cake during a hugely successful week for the airline at Le Bourget, venue for the centenary edition of the Paris Air Show. Qatar Airways made the biggest impact on the opening day of the week-long event by signing an order for 24 Airbus A320 Family of aircraft, together with a US$700 million deal with IAE’s V2500 SelectOne engines to power the new fleet.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said he was looking forward to the next few months as the airline’s expansion plans will see new aircraft joining the fleet and new routes added to the network.
“Qatar Airways this week made yet another a significant mark at the Paris Air Show with a number of announcements showing our commitment to developing our network, expanding our operation, boosting our fleet size, and growing our business – a commitment that we will see through the current economic situation,” he said.
“The Middle East is underserved in the corporate aircraft segment, and by utilising the Five Star service of Qatar Airways as a model to build a new corporate jet venture is, I believe, the right way forward to capitalise on this key market segment,” explained Captain Ted Button, Senior Vice-President of Qatar Executive.
During the show, Qatar Airways officially rolled out its new Qbiz global travel rewards incentive programme for small- and medium-sized companies enabling both the company and individual traveller to benefit from membership by accruing and redeeming Privilege Club loyalty Qmiles during their travels.
Al Baker said that the airline aimed to support small and medium-sized companies through Qbiz, emphasised that the scheme was a win-win situation for all, as business trips would be twice as rewarding.
On the expansion of the French operation, Qatar Airways Area Manager France Eric Didier said: “We are looking forward to begin operating twice-daily flights to Doha from October 25 as there is huge demand and many of our corporate clients, in particular, with interests in the Gulf region have been looking forward to increased convenience.
“This week at the Paris Air Show we’ve had numerous enquiries from the likes of Total, Renault, Dassault, American Express, French Telecom and others, all interested in our services from France to the Middle East and beyond – as well as renewing and developing partnerships with Qatar Airways. Double daily flights between Doha and Paris will give our customers more flexibility, more convenience and more choice”, added Didier.
http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local%5FNews&subsection=Qatar+News&month=June2009&file=Local_News200906222755.xml
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