Qatar Airways is set to begin Melbourne services later this year. Qatar Airway’s Chief Executive Officer Al-Baker, welcomed yesterday Victorian Premier Steve Bracks to Doha by announcing Qatar Airways had decided to make Melbourne its first destination in Australia, with services commencing in late 2004.
“While we are still finalizing our schedule, commencing services to Melbourne is a key step in Qatar Airways’ plans to become a major international carrier between Australia, the Middle East and Europe,” Al-Baker said. He said the company’s growth, along with $2.5 billion redevelopment of Doha International Airport, would make Qatar a major hub for international services to Australia.
Bracks welcomed the announcement, saying it was a coup for Victoria that Qatar Airways had decided to fly to Melbourne first ahead of other Australian destinations. “We welcome Qatar to Victoria, and are sure it will be successful in transporting more Australian tourists to this country as well as bringing guests from Doha to Melbourne,” he said.
Late last year, Australia and Qatar finalized an air services agreement that allows Qatar Airways to operate three services per week to Australia. — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
