Qatar Airways, one of the world’s fastest-growing
airlines, achieved yet another milestone last week as it launched daily
flights between Doha and Barcelona - its 90th destination.
With the touchdown of flight QR067 in Barcelona,
where the aircraft was welcomed by a dramatic water salute and met by
senior airport officials and local dignitaries, the airline reinforced
its position as the only Gulf carrier flying to Spain.
Pictured at the cake cutting ceremony at Barcelona
International Airport following Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to the
Mediterranean port city are, from left, Fahad Al Mana, Minister
Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Qatar; Qatar Airways Country Manager Spain &
Portugal Marimar Laveda; Vice President Commercial Europe Paul Johannes;
and Director of Barcelona Airport, Fernando Echegaray del Pozo.
Barcelona is Qatar Airways’ second city served in
Spain, after Madrid, and is expected to receive great response from
leisure and business travelers alike. The new route underscores a
growing commitment by the airline to the Spanish market following
earlier capacity increases to the country’s capital city of Madrid last
year.
As Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona is a
popular tourist centre on the Mediterranean coastline. It is home to one
of Europe’s main ports and has a thriving economic base due largely to
its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts and
international trade. According to official tourism data, 52 million
tourists visit Spain every year, making it one of the most visited
countries in the world.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker
said that as a result of Spain’s escalating demand for air travel
combined with the great popularity of the country among travelers from
the Middle East and Asia, the Doha-based airline has steadily built up
its presence in Spain.
“The launch of flights to Barcelona - our 90th
destination in our ever-growing network is truly a milestone for Qatar
Airways,” he said.
“Barcelona is a vibrant city with incredible appeal
among leisure and business travelers, and we are confident that our new
daily flights will be equally successful as our daily services to
Madrid.”
Added Al Baker, “With 14 flights a week now operating
to Spain, this reflects the high demand we have been experiencing in and
out of the region, helped by increased economic ties between the Middle
East and the Iberian Peninsula.”
In time for the summer holiday period, Qatar Airways’
newest destination is set to be a hot spot for everyone looking for a
great place to spend their vacation.
Barcelona is the 2,000 year old capital of the
Catalunyan region, an excellent year-round destination, offering art,
unique architecture, nightlife, sophisticated shopping and gastronomical
delights which cater to travelers of all ages and budgets.
The city has a population of over three million
people. Due to its quaint Old Town centre and plenty of sightseeing
attractions in close proximity of each other, visitors can easily
explore Barcelona on foot.
Barcelona is also an ideal gateway city to further
discover the magic of Spain such as the country’s southern region of
Andalucia. Rich in Moorish history and architecture including the
mythical Alhambra Palace and being the birthplace of the colorful
Flamenco dance, the tourism Spain has to offer is one of a kind and
determined to attract many travelers from the Middle East, South Asia
and Asia-Pacific.
The city is the fifth new destination launched by
Qatar Airways so far during 2010. Over the past six months, the carrier
has introduced services to Bengaluru (Bangalore), Copenhagen, Ankara and
Tokyo.
Beginning June 24, Qatar Airways will serve the
Brazilian city of Sao Paulo and the Argentine capital Buenos Aires with
daily scheduled flights direct from Doha. The addition of South America
will ensure Qatar Airways becomes a truly global airline - a remarkable
feat in just 13 years since its launch.
Qatar Airways’ renowned service has received numerous
international accolades for its high service standards and great
hospitality. The independent aviation industry audit Skytrax recently
voted Qatar Airways as the World’s 3rd Best Airline at the annual
Skytrax Airline Awards 2010 and named Qatar Airways as Best Airline in
the Middle East for the fifth consecutive year.
Passengers flying First Class or Business Class
through Doha onto connecting cities with Qatar Airways will be able to
transit through the airline’s exclusive Premium Terminal, where they can
unwind and relax enjoying creature comforts of the facilities, including
fine dining, spa treatments and duty free shopping.
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 83
aircraft to 90 key business and leisure destinations across Europe,
Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and North America.
On the Doha - Barcelona route, Qatar Airways operates an Airbus A319
in a two-class configuration of 8 seats in Business Class and 102 in
Economy.
Qatar Airways’ flight QR067 from Doha to Barcelona
was welcomed by a dramatic water salute after its inaugural journey to
the Mediterranean port city - the airline’s second Spanish destination
after Madrid.
