DOHA - Qatar Airways' second appearance at the International Travel Expo (ITE) held in Ho Chi Minh City is symbolic of the growing friendship between Qatar and Vietnam, according to Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker.
"Qatar's relationship with Vietnam is prospering and as the nation's carrier, Qatar Airways is honoured to be able to assist in facilitating strengthening of relations," said Al Baker.
The airline remains the only carrier from the Middle East flying to Vietnam, which is witnessing exceptional economic growth. "The airline expects business and trade exchanges between the two nations to increase, further boosting Qatar Airways' passenger and cargo traffic on this important route. We anticipate new opportunities opening up in the region as Vietnam's economy continues to develop and Qatar Airways continues to expand," the CEO said.
Qatar Airways increased its presence this year at the ITE -- the largest travel trade show in Vietnam -- following its successful participation in 2007. The three-day show, which officially ended yesterday, was attended by tourism ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Hoang Tuan Anh, Vietnam's Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Dr Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism for Cambodia and Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration, were there to celebrate the theme of this year's exhibition -- 'Three Countries, One Destination.'
Ali Al Rais, Qatar Airways Vice-President (Commercial), told media he was impressed with the route's performance since its launch 18 months ago. "Qatar Airways' flights between Doha and Ho Chi Minh City have performed exceptionally well and we have seen excellent numbers coming out of this region, helped by Vietnam's Internet-savvy public, as many of our customers here book online," he said.
"Soon after launching the route with four non-stop flights a week in March last year, we upgraded our aircraft to the Airbus A330-300 in response to overwhelming passenger demand. We look forward to developing our route to Vietnam even further and hopefully one day, we will be able to operate with daily flights," Al Rais said.
© The Peninsula 2008
