The capital of Namibia, Windhoek, yesterday welcomed the first Qatar Airways flight to arrive at its international airport from Doha.
A VIP delegation from Doha, including Qatar Airways chief commercial officer Dr Hugh Dunleavy and Namibia’s ambassador to Qatar Japhet Isaack, was greeted at the aircraft by Digu Naobeb, CEO of Namibia Tourism Board, and Qatar’s ambassador to South Africa, Salem Abdullah Sultan al-Jaber.
Windhoek is the first city in Namibia to be served by Qatar Airways, which will fly to and from the destination four times a week with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The new route will connect passengers flying from Namibia to more than 150 global destinations via Qatar Airways’ hub and home, Hamad International Airport in Doha. Windhoek will be the 23rd destination in Africa served by the airline.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker said: “We are delighted to extend our network within Africa by adding the premium leisure and business destination of Windhoek to our route map. Africa remains one of our key target areas for growth and we have identified Namibia as an important African nation to include in our expansion plans.
“With the launch of this service, we look forward to strengthening our ties with the people of Namibia, who we are pleased to connect with more than 150 global destinations via our hub in Doha, while supporting the country’s growing tourism industry by flying in tourists from all around the world.”
The Namibia Tourism Board CEO said: “The new flight route provides the opportunity to promote Namibia as a business and leisure destination among Qatar Airways’ wide network of travellers. The route not only improves connections with mature destinations, but also allows Namibia to tap into new markets that are also served by the airline. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Namibia via this new gateway in Doha.”
Export businesses in Namibia will also benefit from the launch of the new route as Qatar Airways Cargo will offer 92 tonnes of belly-hold capacity per week on board the aircraft, according to a press statement from the Doha-based carrier. This will offer Namibian businesses the opportunity to distribute goods across the airline’s network of more than 150 destinations.
The Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner operates a two-cabin configuration, comprising 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy.
The Windhoek-Doha flight schedule is as follows: (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) QR1,373 departing Doha at 2.40am and arriving in Windhoek at 10.40am, and QR1,374 departing Windhoek at 1.25pm and arriving in Doha at 11.10pm.