Qatar Airways Celebrates Latest Route To China

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker spoke in Guangzhou of the airline's successful introduction to the city, and its ambitious growth plans, highlighting further expansion into long-haul markets over the next few years.

Addressing Chinese and international media at a press conference marking the airline's newest route launch to Guangzhou, Al Baker said the airline was determined to open up further services as part of an aggressive expansion plan to serve exciting business and leisure cities around the world.

He cited the Doha – Guangzhou route, launched on March 31, as an example of the airline's commitment to introduce flights to key cities in countries with thriving economies. Guangzhou is Doha-based Qatar Airways' fourth destination in China and 82nd overall worldwide. The airline now operates a total of 20 scheduled flights a week to China from its hub to Beijing (4 flights), Shanghai (5 flights), Hong Kong (daily) and Guangzhou (4 flights). Beginning May 1, the carrier adds a fifth frequency to Guangzhou – Qatar Airways' 15th destination in the Far East.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 62 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 82 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Far East and North America. Starting November 10, Qatar Airways will launch direct non-stop services to Houston, its third destination in the United States.

Al Baker hailed the airline's expansion into China as a measure of continued support for one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

"Our new route builds on the success of Qatar Airways' operations across China in such a short few years since we launched flights to this dynamic economic landscape in 2003," he said, speaking during the press briefing.