Qatar Airways’ newest destination in Australia, its third gateway Down Under, is expected to bring an additional A$240mn to the local economy each year.
As part of the new route launch, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker, recently addressed the local media alongside Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kerrie Mather; Qatar Airways SVP South East Asia and South West Pacific, Marwan Koleilat and Qatar Airways Country Manager Australasia, Adam Radwanski.
Al-Baker said, “Australia is a destination on everyone’s wish list and I hope that by launching our new direct service to Sydney we can help even more visitors discover this spectacular country. With the addition of Sydney, and Adelaide later this year, we will double our capacity to and from Australia in the first half of 2016. This swift and significant increase in service demonstrates our commitment to the Australian market and to our Australian passengers, as we offer them the opportunity to fly in comfort onwards to more than 150 worldwide destinations.
“There are many similarities in our cultures and home countries – Qatar, like Australia, is known for its hospitality, its warm welcome and its forward thinking. These qualities are reflected in the strength of our current trade, totalling A$1.56bn in 2014. We look forward to building on this success and to going places together.”
Qatar Airways has been serving Australia since 2009 when it commenced flights from Melbourne, later adding flights from Perth in 2012. The Doha-based airline will fly a Boeing 777-300 daily from Sydney to Doha.
The Sydney route is expected to generate an estimated 3,000 jobs in New South Wales and will contribute millions of dollars in tourism and cargo freight to the local economy.
The new service will connect Australia’s leading exporters to Qatar Airways Cargo’s global network of more than 150 stations providing 84 tonnes of cargo capacity a week.
“We are thrilled to welcome Qatar Airways to Sydney Airport. Qatar Airways is a three-time Skytrax Airline of the Year winner and will provide passengers with more choice, a quality product and seamless connectivity through Doha’s new Hamad International Airport to destinations around the world,” Mather said.
“Qatar Airways’ new daily service will boost tourism, providing an additional 245,000 seats per year, generating an estimated 3,000 jobs and contributing more than A$240mn to the Australian economy.
“It will also foster trade, providing greater air cargo capacity and access to the Middle East. Australian exports to Doha grew by 23% last year, and Qatar’s high demand for livestock, cereal, meat, dairy products and crops provides a significant opportunity for Australian exporters.”
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways held a ‘VIP gala’ to celebrate the new Sydney service at the ‘Dockside Pavillion’ in Darling Harbour, Sydney.