DOHA: Qatar Airways has embarked on the latest journey of its remarkable expansion by entering the Canadian market for the first time.
Recently cited as Airline of the Year 2011, Qatar's national carrier touched down at Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport following its 13-hour non-stop journey from Doha.
Marking the historic and long-anticipated launch of the thrice-weekly scheduled services between the two cities, Qatar Airways inaugurated the occasion with a ceremony on arrival, including a traditional water salute welcoming flight QR927 to Montreal.
Leading the delegation of VIPs and international media from Qatar, Dubai and India was Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who hailed the newest route as a key moment in the airline's ever-expanding route map.
Montreal becomes the eighth of 15 route launches by Qatar Airways this year and the airline's fourth North American gateway, with New York, Washington DC and Houston already featuring in its burgeoning international route map.
Guests at the arrival reception in Montreal included City Mayor Gerald Tremblay; Quebec Transport Minister Sam Hamad; Qatar's Ambassador to Canada Salem Al Shafi; Canadian Charge d'Affaires to Qatar, Gary Luton; and Aeroports de Montreal CEO James Cherry.
Addressing guests soon after arrival, Al Baker said: "This is a proud moment for me, for Qatar Airways and for the State of Qatar as we establish a new air corridor between my country and Canada for the first time.
"I have continuously been asked time and time again when we would spread our wings to Canada, and I am delighted we have finally reached your shores to become the only Gulf carrier serving Montreal," Al Baker said in his speech.
Aéroports de Montréal President and CEO James Cherry said: "The entire team at Aéroports de Montréal is delighted by the arrival of a carrier as prestigious as Qatar Airways and the addition of such a major destination as Doha, with connections to some one hundred other cities, including eleven in India alone. The arrival of Qatar reinforces our vision for Montréal-Trudeau, which is to accentuate the airport's role as a hub for travel between North America and Eurasia."
Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay said: "We are pleased and proud that Qatar Airways has chosen Montreal for its very first direct connection with Canada. From now on it will be easier for residents of our two cities to foster exchanges and promote all kinds of new collaborations."
Quebec Transport Minister Sam Hamad said: "It's an honour for Quebec to now be part of Qatar Airways' destinations. The arrival of this prestigious five-star airline, combined with the dynamism of the Montreal area, will encourage profitable exchanges in all activity sectors for the citizens of both countries and the surrounding countries."
© The Peninsula 2011
