Qatar Airways has launched scheduled flights to the Libyan port city of Benghazi in North Africa. Operating four-times-a-week from Doha, Libya’s second largest city is a leading economic centre, ideally located on the Mediterranean for trade and export.

Qatar Airways’ entry into two African cities this week marks the first of potentially more route launches on the Continent as the airline’s CEO spelled out a commitment to grow its regional operations.

Qatar Airways has announced plans to launch scheduled flights to Libya’s second largest city of Benghazi on November 1st. Operating four-times-a-week non-stop from Doha, the newest route will take the number of destination launches by the airline to 15 during 2011.

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.

Cargolux International Airlines S.A. announced today the closing of the strategic equity partnership transaction with Qatar Airways after clearance by all competent authorities. On 9 June 2011, the Doha-based carrier had signed an agreement to acquire a 35% equity stake in Cargolux.

Qatar Airways and Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes have implemented a new code share agreement to connect travellers from Doha to 46 cities across Brazil through Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport.