Qatar Airways is celebrating the launch of scheduled services to Australia following the airline’s inaugural flight into Melbourne on Sunday.

The new Doha – Melbourne route signals the beginning of Qatar Airways’ operations to Australia, and adds another continent to the airline’s rapidly expanding global network. Melbourne becomes the award-winning airline’s 85th destination and fourth new route of 2009. The carrier plans to launch flights to Sydney next year.

 

On board the maiden flight QR030 from Doha was the airline’s Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who led a high-profile delegation, including the Australian Ambassador to the UAE and Qatar, His Excellency Doug Trappett, international media and senior company executives.

 

Qatar Airways is operating its newest aircraft – a Boeing 777-200LR delivered less than four weeks ago – on the route, flying initially three-times-a-week on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

 

The Doha-based airline takes delivery of another Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft direct from Boeing’s Seattle manufacturing base this month and will use the aircraft on the Melbourne route, stepping up frequency to daily from 1 January 2010.

 

Victorian Government Minister of Tourism and Major Events, The Honourable Tim Holding provided an official welcome for Qatar Airways at the State Government Offices in Melbourne, where a joint press conference was held this morning.

 

Addressing the media, Al Baker said: “We have been eagerly planning our entry into the Australian market for several years – and we are delighted to finally arrive here in Melbourne.

 

“Qatar Airways would like to extend its appreciation and thanks to the Australian authorities that have worked tirelessly to pave the way for Qatar Airways to begin its operations.

 

Al Baker said that Qatar Airways was looking forward to establishing a strong foothold in the Australian market, aiming to do so with the quickest scheduled flight times between Melbourne and London, its biggest market. At 21 hours, 40 minutes, including a short transit in Doha, Qatar Airways will offer Melbournians the most convenient and fastest way of travelling to the UK.

 

Minister Tim Holding said it was a fantastic milestone for Victoria’s tourism industry and for Melbourne as a leading gateway city to Australia to welcome Qatar’s national carrier to the city.

 

“The Brumby Government is working to increase international air services, which bring more tourists to Melbourne, boost our economy and create jobs for local people,” he said.

 

“Qatar Airways, which is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, has shown confidence in Victoria by choosing Melbourne Airport as its first Australian destination and setting up its head office in Melbourne’s central business district, initially employing 25 people.

 

The airline currently operates a young and modern fleet of 72 aircraft to 85 cities worldwide, a figure set to rise sharply over the next few years. The airline’s fleet will increase to more than 120 aircraft by 2013 and destinations served are set to rise to over 120 in the next five years.

The Doha – Melbourne flight schedules (all times local) are:

 

Depart Doha International Airport

From 6 December 2009

QR030 WED, FRI, SUN at 0045hrs, arrive Melbourne at 2225hrs

 

From 1 January 2010

QR030 DAILY at 0045hrs, arrive Melbourne at 2225hrs

 

Depart Melbourne International Airport

From 6 December 2009

QR031 WED, FRI, SUN at 2355hrs, arrive Doha at 0625hrs following day

 

From 1 January 2010

QR031 DAILY at 2355hrs, arrive Doha at 0625hrs following day