The October 5 start-up of scheduled flights to Norway’s capital city complements the airline’s existing services to Stockholm and Copenhagen with the Gulf carrier now flying to three key points in Northern Europe.
The new route promises to be a strong catalyst to enhance bilateral trade between Norway and the State of Qatar, and the Middle East in general.
There is significant Norwegian private sector interest in Qatar. The world’s largest aluminium plant, Qatalum (Qatar Aluminium), is based in Qatar. The multi-million dollar joint venture is between Qatar Petroleum and the Norwegian company, Norsk Hydro.
“Public demand, huge tourism opportunities and our common trade interests in oil and gas played an important part in Qatar Airways’ decision to open up this new route between our Doha hub and Oslo,” said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, speaking at a press conference in the Norwegian capital.
“Wiith many Norwegian companies having business interests in the Gulf, we believe this new route will help fuel business even further. More than 400 Norwegians reside in Qatar so now they have a great new direct route home.
“Launching flights to Oslo is yet another example of our commitment to the Scandinavian market, boosting commercial and economic ties between the region and the Middle East and beyond. The route will clearly facilitate travel for Norwegian businessmen and holidaymakers who, for so long, have had very little travel options.
The October 5 start-up of scheduled flights to Norway’s capital city complements the airline’s existing services to Stockholm and Copenhagen with the Gulf carrier now flying to three key points in Northern Europe.
The new route promises to be a strong catalyst to enhance bilateral trade between Norway and the State of Qatar, and the Middle East in general.
There is significant Norwegian private sector interest in Qatar. The world’s largest aluminium plant, Qatalum (Qatar Aluminium), is based in Qatar. The multi-million dollar joint venture is between Qatar Petroleum and the Norwegian company, Norsk Hydro.
“Public demand, huge tourism opportunities and our common trade interests in oil and gas played an important part in Qatar Airways’ decision to open up this new route between our Doha hub and Oslo,” said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, speaking at a press conference in the Norwegian capital.
“With many Norwegian companies having business interests in the Gulf, we believe this new route will help fuel business even further. More than 400 Norwegians reside in Qatar so now they have a great new direct route home.
“Launching flights to Oslo is yet another example of our commitment to the Scandinavian market, boosting commercial and economic ties between the region and the Middle East and beyond. The route will clearly facilitate travel for Norwegian businessmen and holidaymakers who, for so long, have had very little travel options.
Oslo is Qatar Airways’ seventh new European destination launched this year following a major expansion drive by the airline on the Continent. This year has already seen European route launches to Bucharest, Budapest, Brussels, Stuttgart, Venice and Sofia.
Project Manager at VisitOslo, the city’s tourism board, Frode Valland, commenting on Qatar Airways’ entry to Norway, said: “VisitOslo is delighted that more carriers are entering the market.
“We see a continuous growth from high-potential markets such as the Middle East and Asia, and welcome Qatar Airways taking part in this huge expansion. From wildlife watching to dog-sledding in the snow or fjords of breathtaking natural beauty – Norway has it all.”
Qatar Airways, recently named Airline of the Year 2011 by industry audit Skytrax, is the only Five Star-ranked carrier to operate scheduled flights to Oslo. The airline’s competitive product focuses on comfort, fine onboard cuisine, the latest in-flight entertainment, award-winning in-flight service and a fleet of aircraft that is young and modern averaging just less than four years old.
By 2013, Qatar Airways plans to serve more than 120 key business and leisure destinations worldwide with a fleet of over 120 aircraft. Today, the airline’s fleet stands at 100 aircraft, flying to more than 100 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.
The DOHA – OSLO schedules:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays
Depart Doha QR953 at 0825 hrs, arrive Oslo at 1440 hrs
Depart Oslo QR954 at 1610 hrs, arrive Doha at 2355 hrs
Qatar Airways has orders worth over US$ 40 billion for more than 200 aircraft, including Boeing 787s, 777s, Airbus A350s, A380s, A320 Family of aircraft and Bombardier corporate jets. The rapid expansion of Qatar Airways prompted the State of Qatar to embark on one of its biggest projects – the construction of a brand new international airport in Doha, which is scheduled to open in 2012.
Skytrax is the only global independent passenger survey monitoring airline standards and is considered the ultimate benchmark for excellence in the airline industry. In addition to winning Skytrax’s prestigious Airline of the Year 2011 award during the summer, Qatar Airways was named Best Airline in the Middle East for the sixth year in a row, and its Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport was named Best First Class Airline Lounge.
Corporate Communications Department, Qatar Airways
Tel: +974 – 44496956, Fax: +974 – 44620132
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa
Web: www.qatarairways.com