Doha-Based Airline Links Capitals Of Qatar And Spain
Madrid, SPAIN - Qatar Airways has launched its long-awaited scheduled flights to Madrid with its inaugural service from Doha touching down in the Spanish capital on the evening of December 2.
The maiden flight, carrying a delegation of Middle East-based journalists and VIPs, including Spain's Ambassador to Qatar, His Excellency Rafael Matos, and Qatar Airways' Senior Regional Manager Europe and Americas, Mr Peter Spencer, arrived at Madrid's Barajas International Airport to a welcome reception by airport and airline officials.
As the only Gulf-based airline to serve Madrid, Qatar Airways is also flying its award-winning Five Star service to the Spanish market for the first time.
The addition of Madrid takes the number of global destinations served by Qatar Airways to 68 - and the airline's second new route of the Winter 2005/6 season. Last month the carrier launched flights to the Kenyan capital Nairobi and adds Berlin on December 15.
Qatar Airways is operating the Doha - Madrid route three-times-a-week with a widebody Airbus A300-600 aircraft in a two-class configuration of 18 seats in Business Class and 232 in Economy. All flights operate via Rome. To celebrate the route launch, Qatar Airways is offering members of its Privilege Club frequent flyer programme with double Qmiles for the first full month of the Madrid service. (www.qmiles.com)
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who saw off the first flight to Madrid, said he was delighted to add yet another key capital city to the airline's burgeoning network and continue its expansion plans with vigour.
"Madrid is one of three new routes launched in the space of just four weeks which reinforces Qatar Airways' position as one of the fastest growing airlines in the world," he said.
"I am extremely delighted to finally see Madrid on our European map and look forward to carrying both business and leisure travellers to and from this highly popular destination. Madrid is one of Europe's most exciting cities and has long been on our wishlist of destinations to fly to. Launching the services now coincides with the holiday season and one of the busiest travel periods of the year."
He added: "Our flights from Madrid offer convenient connections over our operational hub of Doha to rest of the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and the Far East."
Madrid is a city filled with entertainment, shopping, restaurants, museums and parks and offers something for all age groups; the city is geographically located in the centre of Spain and is the country's economic, financial and political hub. The dynamic city enjoys a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a rich heritage and is the gateway to the San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery, one of the eight wonders of the world.
Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of 42 all-Airbus aircraft, which will almost triple in size to 110 jets by 2015. The airline recently announced plans to acquire up to 80 aircraft comprising 60 of the new generation A350s and 20 Boeing 777s worth a total US$15.2 billion.
The airline is one of the launch customers of the twin-deck Airbus A380 'super jumbos' with four aircraft on order and scheduled for delivery from 2009 to coincide with the opening of the New Doha International Airport. (www.ndiaproject.com)
Qatar Airways is one of four airlines in the world ranked Five Star by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways' cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the third year running and fifth best in the world following a survey of more than 12 million passengers worldwide, while the airline also maintained its position as among the world's top 10 carriers.
For further information on Qatar Airways' Privilege Club, web users can log onto www.qmiles.com
For further information on the New Doha International Airport, web users can log onto www.ndiaproject.com
-Ends-
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways currently operates scheduled flights from Doha to 68 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and the Far East. Together with its codeshare partners, the airline serves more than 80 destinations worldwide.
The new Doha - Madrid flights all operate via Rome
Depart Doha International Airport
Mondays - QR085 at 1235, arrive Madrid at 1945
Fridays - QR085 at 1220, arrive Madrid at 1940
Sundays - QR081 at 0050, arrive Madrid at 0815
Depart Madrid Barajas International Airport
Mondays - QR086 at 2105, arrive Doha at 0720 following day
Fridays - QR086 at 2055, arrive Doha at 0710 following day
Sundays - QR082 at 0925, arrive Doha at 1940
For further information
Salam Al Shawa
Senior Manager Marketing & Communications
Qatar Airways
Tel: +974 - 4496956
Fax: +974 - 4620132
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa
© Press Release 2006
