DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) celebrated capacity increases across its global network this weekend, as three of its destinations received upgraded aircraft commencing July 1, the day on which the world’s best airline also inaugurated its new route to Marrakesh with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Guangzhou (China), Geneva (Switzerland) and Warsaw (Poland) received new aircraft types on their daily flights from Hamad International Airport (HIA), in recognition of continued demand for QA’s service, operated by the world’s newest aircraft types and expanding fleet.
Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, QA, said: “QA is delighted to enhance the aircraft that serve the important destinations of Guangzhou, Geneva and Warsaw, almost doubling the daily capacity across all these routes from HIA.
“This is testament to our commitment to provide our passengers with the greatest comfort on board the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft, while illustrating our confidence in the popularity of these cities as a place to visit and do business.”
The inaugural A380 flight to Guangzhou received a warm welcome as it touched down for the first time and now represents the airline’s fourth A380 destination, after Bangkok, London and Paris.
QA became the first Middle East airline to fly to Guangzhou in 2008 with a Boeing 777.
The A380 is spread across twin decks in a tri-class configuration of eight seats in First Class, 48 in Business Class and 461 in Economy Class and will serve Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, the third busiest airport in China, and the city of Guangzhou on the Pearl River Delta, home to about 57 million people.
QA also commenced its second Boeing 787 Dreamliner service to Switzerland this weekend. The inaugural Dreamliner flight to Geneva touched down and was greeted by a water cannon salute, witnessed by media and senior representatives from QA and Geneva Airport.
The route was previously operated by an Airbus A320, while daily flights to Zurich already operate with the Dreamliner.
The QA Dreamliner operates a two-cabin configuration, comprising of 22 seats in Business Class and 232 in Economy Class.
All seats include individual television screens, with Economy Class customers benefitting from a screen 10.6-inch wide, offering the latest inflight entertainment comprising up to 3,000 options, complemented by the airline’s award-winning service.
QA also welcomed the expansion of its service from Doha to Warsaw this weekend as a new wide-body service to Warsaw Chopin Airport commenced operation. The route was previously operated with the Airbus A320 aircraft.
The increase in demand for travel to and from the country and the airline’s steadfast commitment to the Polish market resulted in the introduction of the 260 seat A330 aircraft on the daily flight. QA has seen rapid growth in 19 years of operations, flying a modern fleet of 186 aircraft to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations worldwide.
The Peninsula
