Qatar Airways to add 15 destinations next year

Doha: Qatar Airways continues to march ahead as the award-winning airline plans to add 15 new destinations to its network next year. The national carrier of Qatar also plans to receive 36 new aircraft in 2019, according to Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways celebrated the National Day at the Old Airport Park yesterday, showcasing Qatar’s rich culture and traditions through various activities, including a  live performance by Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi. 

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Transport and Communications, H E  Jassim Saif bin Saif Al Sulaiti, said: “This is a great occasion to renew determination to continue building on the previous achievements and the efforts for more advancement and prosperity for this nation. It is also a renewed determination to move on for more progress and advance for the Qatari people.

This is also an occasion to show the achievements done and successes recorded, which contributed to boosting Qatar’s ranking at the international level.” 

Akbar Al Baker said that unjust blockade on Qatar has failed to stop the growth plans of Qatar Airways.

“We want to show to the world that Qatar Airways is progressing very rapidly. Next year we have more than 15 new destinations that we will be announcing step by step. I am still waiting for airport slots,” Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways told The Peninsula, speaking on the sidelines of the event. “36 new aircraft will be received over the next 12 months,” he added.

Since the blockade of Qatar, the airline has added nearly 30 destinations to its network. “So the message is very clear, that nothing is going to stop us. We will keep on our march ahead to reach 250 destinations, which is the plan of Qatar’s eventual growth,” said Al Baker.

Several VIPs and a number of government officials attended the event to share the joy of National Day

“We are delighted to be a part of today’s celebration of our beloved country alongside members of our local community. One of Qatar Airways’ core values is expressing our pride, loyalty and love for Qatar, and National Day offers a chance for us to express the patriotism that is shared by all of Qatar’s residents and citizens, regardless of their country of origin,” Al Baker added. 

“As the national carrier of the State of Qatar, we are delighted to enable visitors to explore our country’s remarkable culture and hospitality, as well as to connect the world to more than 160 business and leisure destinations from our home and hub, Hamad International Airport. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Qatar discover our country’s unique heritage,” Al Baker said. 

The Director General of Qatar Aeronautical College, Sheikh Jabor bin Hamad M Al Thani, said: “National Day is an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments in Qatar, which contributed to the well-being of the Qatari citizens and raised our country among the nations. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.”