Following
its move into Iraq six months ago with the start of
flights to both the capital Baghdad and Erbil,
the Doha-based airline has
inaugurated new services to its third city in the country.
On
the back of passenger demand to Iraq, Qatar Airways viewed expansion
as being vital, fuelled by the country’s reconstruction drive.
The
arrival of Qatar Airways’ flight QR 742 at Al Najaf International
Airport was welcomed by a traditional water salute followed by a
reception presided by local officials. Fathi Al Shehab, Qatar Airways
Senior Vice President GCC, Levant, Iran and Indian Subcontinent, led
an official delegation on the
flight from the airline’s head office in the
Qatari capital Doha.
With
three Iraqi routes now in its stable, Qatar Airways takes its
frequency across Baghdad, Erbil and Najaf up 50 per cent to 12
services each week.
Najaf,
to be operated four-times-a-week, becomes destination number 124 in
the airline’s global network spanning cities across Europe, Middle
East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.
Qatar
Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “With our new
Najaf services, we are giving the people of Iraq more choice and
greater travel options to fly around the world after years of
restricted access to air services. Similarly, with all the
reconstruction efforts well underway in Iraq, there is a need for
flights to bring in construction workers.
“As
an air service provider, we at Qatar Airways have the faith and are
doing our bit in the rebuilding efforts of the country.
“Najaf
represents a significant part of Qatar Airways’ growth strategy of
opening new, diverse routes connecting people in underserved markets
to destinations around the world with more ease and convenience than
ever before.”
Addressing
guests gathered at Al Najaf International Airport, Fathi Al Shehab
said: “Today is all about celebration and further developing our
warm relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Iraq.
“On
behalf of Qatar Airways, I would like to thank the government of
Iraq, the local authorities and airport officials for supporting
Qatar Airways’ expansion with the addition of
an integral route to our international network that will offer great
connections to the people of Najaf and the surrounding areas to such
an exciting array of destinations globally such as London,
Singapore, Tokyo, New York, Shanghai and Melbourne.
