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Qatar seeks rights beyond UK
WTM Special Report: Fast growing Middle East carrier Qatar Airways has revealed plans to enter the transatlantic arena.
CEO Akbar Al Baker, speaking at World Travel Market, confirmed that the airline was to apply for rights to serve points beyond the UK.
Qatar Airways currently operates from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to its hub in Doha and has a fleet of 42 aircraft, which is due to triple in size in 10 years.
Al Baker said he believed his airline was able to apply for the new rights as British Airways and other UK airlines have reciprocal rights to fly beyond Qatar.
The airline’s move comes as US-EU transatlantic open skies talks re-open and coincides with the signing of a frequent flyer agreement with United Airlines.
Meanwhile, Al Baker said the airline would introduce a new in-flight first and business class service on routes from the UK by January and open a dedicated terminal for first and business class passengers at Doha airport next summer.
The airline’s new in-flight service will also feature on a new Doha-Hong Kong route being launched next March.
A revamp of economy class is also being planned.
Qatar Airways will serve 15 destination in Europe by December with the addition of flights to Madrid and Berlin.
Report by Phil Davies
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