HELSINKI, Finland – Qatar Airways celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight to Helsinki on 10 October with an event attended by Finnish VIPs, honoured guests from the travel industry and media. The evening was hosted by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, who welcomed dignitaries including Finnish Ambassador to Qatar, Her Excellency Mrs. Riitta Swan; Qatari Ambassador to Finland and His Excellency Mr. Saud bin Abdullah Zaid Al-Mahmoud.
The Masters of Ceremonies – two of Finland’s most recognised TV and radio personalities – Vappu Pimiä and Sebastian Rejman entertained the delegation throughout the night’s proceedings.
H.E. Mr. Al Baker said: “I am very happy to be here tonight celebrating the launch of our flights to Helsinki, our fourth gateway into the Nordics from our hub in Doha. Qatar Airways is proud to be the first Middle East airline to serve Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and now Helsinki. We have a special relationship with the people in this region and I am pleased to be able to offer them an additional service connecting them to the Middle East, Asia and beyond.”
Qatar Airways’ first flight touched down at Helsinki airport on 10 October where it was welcomed by a VIP delegation from Finland, including Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Mrs. Anne Berner. The award-winning airline will fly to and from Helsinki daily with an Airbus A320 aircraft, which offers 120 seats in the Economy Class cabin and 12 seats in the Business Class cabin.
Helsinki is the airline’s 12th new destination this year. Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines, with a new aircraft being delivered approximately every 10 days. Continuing its path of expansion the airline will add new routes to Krabi on 6 December, the Seychelles on 12 December and Auckland on 5 February 2017.
Helsinki – Doha Flight Schedules:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Doha (DOH) to Helsinki (HEL) QR299 departs: 01:35 arrives: 08:10
Helsinki (HEL) to Doha (DOH) to QR300 departs: 10:55 arrives: 17:15
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
Doha (DOH) to Helsinki (HEL) QR301 departs: 08:15 arrives: 14:50
Helsinki (HEL) to Doha (DOH) QR302 departs: 17:45 arrives 00:05+1
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For images please visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/qatarairways/albums/72157675098641505
About Qatar Airways:
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was awarded World's Best Business Class; Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the prestigious 2016 World Airline Awards managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.
Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.
Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ inflight entertainment system offers passengers up to 3,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 as well as select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s leaders in sponsoring global sporting events, including the strategic team sponsorships of FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC. Qatar Airways’ strategy reflects the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message - Going Places Together.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s third largest cargo carrier, serves more than 50 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally on 190 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet now includes eight Airbus 330Fs, 11 Boeing 777 freighters and two Boeing 747 freighters.
For further information contact:
Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 4022 2200, Fax: +974 40225350
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa
Visit our homepage www.qatarairways.com or our sites on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube.
For Qatar Airways corporate images, please click here: http://www.qatarairways.com/corporateimages