Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker has reinforced the strategic importance of the Qatar’s ongoing expansion in Scandinavia following its latest route launch to Oslo.

The start-up of scheduled flights to Norway’s capital city complements the airline’s existing services to Stockholm and Copenhagen with the Gulf carrier now flying to three key points in Northern Europe.

The new route promises to be a strong catalyst to enhance bilateral trade between Norway and the State of Qatar, and the Middle East in general.

“Public demand, huge tourism opportunities and our common trade interests in oil and gas played an important part in Qatar Airways’ decision to open up this new route between our Doha hub and Oslo,” said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker.

“Wiith many Norwegian companies having business interests in the Gulf, we believe this new route will help fuel business even further. More than 400 Norwegians reside in Qatar so now they have a great new direct route home.

“Launching flights to Oslo is yet another example of our commitment to the Scandinavian market, boosting commercial and economic ties between the region and the Middle East and beyond. The route will clearly facilitate travel for Norwegian businessmen and holidaymakers who, for so long, have had very little travel options.

The October 5 start-up of scheduled flights to Norway’s capital city complements the airline’s existing services to Stockholm and Copenhagen with the Gulf carrier now flying to three key points in Northern Europe.

Oslo is Qatar Airways’ seventh new European destination launched this year following a major expansion drive by the airline on the Continent. This year has already seen European route launches to Bucharest, Budapest, Brussels, Stuttgart, Venice and Sofia.

Project Manager at VisitOslo, the city’s tourism board, Frode Valland, commenting on Qatar Airways’ entry to Norway, said: “VisitOslo is delighted that more carriers are entering the market.

“We see a continuous growth from high-potential markets such as the Middle East and Asia, and welcome Qatar Airways taking part in this huge expansion. From wildlife watching to dog-sledding in the snow or fjords of breathtaking natural beauty – Norway has it all.”

By 2013, Qatar Airways plans to serve more than 120 key business and leisure destinations worldwide with a fleet of over 120 aircraft. Today, the airline’s fleet stands at 100 aircraft, flying to more than 100 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.