Qatar Airways is to launch an additional daily flight to Singapore from June 1st, 2015, as part of its global expansion drive and to cater to the increase in passenger demand. The airline has also announced that it will be operating the new additional flight and the existing two daily flights to Singapore with its third, fourth and fifth A350 XWB aircraft, commencing service in June, July and August 2015.

Qatar Airways has acquired a 9.99 per cent stake in International Airlines Group, owners of British Airways, Iberia and Veuling. In a statement the Qatari flag-carrier said the deal was part of its efforts to enhance operations and strengthen existing commercial ties initiated through codeshare agreements with IAG, as well as its membership of the oneworld alliance.

Qatar Airways is continuing its 2015 expansion program across Europe with the launch of new direct flights from Doha to Sofia from March, a destination currently served by the airline via Bucharest. The launch of direct flights to Sofia will add an additional level of choice and more options for passengers when travelling to any of the 146 destinations around the globe served by Qatar Airways, from the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport.

Qatar Airways has revealed its first new destination in 2015, to the capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, starting from June 16th. Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker said: “Amsterdam has long been on our list of destinations to introduce to our network, and we are delighted to now be adding this dynamic European city to our route map.”

The second largest Omani city Salalah will see Qatar Airways adding four new services by next February. The airline is offering three additional flights per week, and from 3 February 2015, another additional flight per week.

Qatar Airways has continued its expansion into Africa with the launch of services to its twelfth new destination this year, the Eritrean capital Asmara. Launched on December 4th, the new route will provide passengers to and from Eritrea with two weekly flights connecting Asmara via Doha to more than 140 destinations around the world.