Qatar Airways has launched scheduled flights to Mozambique, its latest foray on the African continent and tenth new route of the year.

The Doha-based carrier inaugurated the first of three weekly services to the country’s capital city of Maputo, gateway to Mozambique’s rich natural resources and a source for strong business.

The launch is further testament to Qatar Airways’ strategy to operate to underserved markets that have huge potential for scheduled international flights. Qatar Airways is the first and only airline from the Middle East flying to Mozambique, which becomes its 19th gateway across the African continent.

Flight QR584 arrived in Maputo this morning to a water salute and a welcome by traditional dancers followed by an airport ceremony attended by more than 80 local dignitaries and media.

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said the latest route marked yet another significant milestone for the award-winning airline that has spread its international wings to its 19th gateway in Africa and - tenth new route of the year so far.

“With the discovery of large reserves of natural gas, Mozambique is today emerging to be one of the fastest growing economies in the region,” he said.

“With this in mind, Qatar Airways always looks to open up air travel markets which are underserved – and Mozambique is an example of this. Mozambique has historic links with Europe, being a former Portuguese colony, so we look forward to flying passengers with family, or business ties to and from Lisbon through our online points in southern Europe.

“Over the past 18 months, we have opened up a number of routes across Africa, including Entebbe in Uganda, Benghazi in Libya, Kigali in Rwanda and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, demonstrating our commitment to serving the African continent with an extensive route network,” added Al Baker.

Qatar Airways is flying its flagship long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft on the Maputo route, featuring 335 seats in a two-class configuration of 42 Business Class seats and 293 in Economy.

The aircraft also features the airline’s award-winning entertainment system offering a fully interactive audio and video system of more than 1,000 programmes.