Qantas Airways Ltd. faces further competition on the lucrative Australia to Europe route with Qatar’s national flag carrier expected to make its first flight into Melbourne later this year.
“While we are still finalizing our schedules, commencing services to Melbourne is a key step in Qatar Airway’s plans to become a major international carrier between Australia, the middle East and Europe,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker in a statement.
Late last year, Australia and Qatar finalized an air services agreement that allows Qatar Airways to operate at least three services a week to Australia.
Qatar Airways has previously detailed plans to serve 60 international destinations by the end of 2005.
In Asia, Qatar Airways already flies to South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
By: greekdude1 - 18th March 2004 at 18:38
Qatar has one A345. It’s a VIP aircraft, but I’m sure they could use it thrice weekly for a non-stop Australia flight.
By: steve rowell - 18th March 2004 at 04:19
Have they ordered the A345, if they have it would make sense to use them non-stop on the Melbourne route
By: steve rowell - 17th March 2004 at 04:13
Whatever they use, they’ll be going head to head with Emirates
By: greekdude1 - 16th March 2004 at 17:24
What aircraft are they using on this route? If they use their A345, they can operate non-stop.
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March 16, 2004 at 9:02 am