Kozhikode has become Qatar Airways’ ninth Indian destination and 83rd on its global map. Qatar Airways will operate non-stop daily flights from Doha to the city. The airline operates 58 flights a week from Doha to the Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, Kozhikode and Nagpur. Celebrating the launch of Qatar Airways’ new route to Kozhikode, a gala dinner was hosted by Mr. Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways at the Kadavu Resort, Kozhikode. The event, with the popular TV personality Ms. Anuradha Menon (better known as ‘Lola Kutty’ of Channel V fame) as ‘Master of Ceremonies’ included entertainment by a Spanish dance troupe and was well attended by guests from the corporate, travel and leisure sectors.
On the maiden flight to Kozhikode, Mr. Al Baker led a delegation of high-profile international media from Europe and the Gulf on the airbus. He was warmly welcomed by the local political, business and airport officials including dignitaries like Mr. P.V. Abdul Wahab MP, Mr. T.K. Hamsa MP, Mr. P. Sakeer, President, Malabar Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. K. Abu Backer, Secretary, Malabar Chamber of Commerce.
Qatar Airways has also plans to expand further to Indian cities assessing its fast growth in the world economic scenario. During a press conference at the Taj Residency in Kozhikode, Mr. All Baker said the governments of Qatar and India had worked closely to forge a strong bond that ensured air travel between the two countries remained robust. “I would like to applaud the Indian government and its determined efforts to open up air access for Qatar Airways to more destinations across India and I am delighted that we are able to spread our award-winning Five Star service to yet another city on the global map”, he added.
Mr. Al Baker briefed the media about the airline’s expansion plans which include the launch of non-stop flights between Doha and Houston from November 10, 2008. He also spoke about New Doha International Airport scheduled to open in 2011. With a 62-strong fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, Qatar Airways has placed orders for more than 200 jets worth over US$30 billion.
Mr Al Baker further said, “India today is by far the largest single market for Qatar Airways with a network of nine cities which represents more than 10 per cent of our global network of 83 international routes. We are eyeing up many more opportunities in this huge market and look forward to opening up further routes to give the travelling public to and from India more choice…. Following on the success of our three-route launches to Chennai, Ahmedabad and Nagpur during 2007, our latest addition of Kozhikode demonstrates our commitment to the people of India – and to the people of Kerala…. An economic powerhouse rapidly developing its infrastructure across all industries, India is enjoying tremendous growth. Aviation is just one of the key sectors benefiting from such development and Qatar Airways is delighted to be part of this economic surge.”
Mr. Al Baker also explained that the airline’s Kozhikode route met the needs of the Kerala people living and working in the Gulf, and would appeal the tourists from Europe and across the world. The launch of the Kozhikode route followed the successful launch of Qatar Airways’ non-stop flights between Doha and the Chinese city of Guangzhou earlier this year.
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