Qatar Airways Announces Indian Expansion
Daily Non-Stop Flights From Doha To Kozhikode Begin On June 15
Airline's Third Gateway In Southern State Of Kerala
Carrier Increases Indian Capacity To 58 Flights A Week Across Nine Cities
22 April 2008
Kozhikode - Qatar Airways' 9th Destination in India
Formerly known as Calicut, the city is Kerala’s third largest with a population of almost 500,000 people and is home to serene beaches, historic sites, lush green scenery and world-renowned Ayurvedic health treatments – a haven for holidaymakers seeking adventure and relaxation.
Qatar Airways will operate daily non-stop services between Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, and Kozhikode using an Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline already serves Cochin and Trivandrum in Kerala and a further six cities across India.
With a current capacity of 51 flights a week spread across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Trivandrum, Nagpur and Hyderabad, Qatar Airways operates an extensive network of services throughout the country. The addition of Kozhikode, its ninth destination in India, takes the airline’s frequency into the country up to 58 flights a week.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the latest route announcement reinforced the airline’s commitment to expand its award-winning Five Star service across India.
“India today is by far the largest single market for Qatar Airways with a network of eight, and, soon nine cities served non-stop from Doha,” he said.
“An economic powerhouse rapidly developing its infrastructure across all industries, India is enjoying tremendous growth. Aviation is just one of the key sectors benefiting from such development and Qatar Airways is delighted to be part of this economic growth facilitating travel to and from India.
Qatar Airways Airbus A320
“During 2007 alone Qatar Airways launched three new routes to India. Our new services to Kozhikode will only strengthen our position in this highly important market.
“There is a large concentration of expatriates from Kerala living and working in the Gulf region, and together with tourists from across Europe and other parts of the world, Qatar Airways looks forward to welcoming passengers on our new services to make it a highly successful launch into our third gateway in Kerala.“
Added Al Baker: “The addition of Kozhikode demonstrates our long-term commitment to India and we look forward to developing our network further across India as we explore new route opportunities to give the travelling public even more choice.”
Kerala State is one of the most desirable holiday destinations in Asia – a perfect retreat for holidaymakers looking to relax with the world-renowned Ayurvedic health treatment centres. It is also home to fascinating emerald backwaters, waterfalls, exotic wildlife, together with sprawling plantations and has the highest literacy rate of almost 100 per cent than anywhere else in India.
Qatar Airways offers an excellent choice of connections for passengers from Europe, Middle East and Africa to India via its Doha hub. The airline currently operates a modern fleet of 62 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 82 destinations worldwide.
The Doha – Kozhikode schedules are:-
Depart Doha International Airport
Daily QR284 at 2310, arrive Kozhikode 0600 next day
Depart Kozhikode International Airport
Daily QR285 at 0700, arrive Doha International Airport at 0845
Notes to Editors:
Qatar Airways is one of an elite group of carriers with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry research company. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways’ cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the fifth year running in 2007 following a survey of more than 15 million passengers. During the 2007/08 financial year, Qatar Airways expects to have carried around 10 million passengers worldwide. For more information, log onto www.qatarairways.com/kozhikode
Qatar Airways will operate a fleet of 110 aircraft by 2013 – almost double the existing size. During 2007, Qatar Airways ordered 80 Airbus A350s, together with 60 Boeing 787s and 32 Boeing 777s. The airline has ordered five of the twin-deck Airbus A380 ‘super jumbos’ for delivery from 2010. Qatar Airways moves to the New Doha International Airport in 2010, when the first phase of the new facility opens. For more information, visit www.ndiaproject.com
For further information on tourism in Kerala, log onto www.keralatourism.org, the state tourism department’s official website.
For further information
Qatar Airways Corporate Communications
Tel: +974 4496956, Fax: +974 4620132
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa