New routes create stiff competition

zoom

ALI AL-RAIS: Qatar Airways’ executive vice-president says the carrier will add a further 60 destinations to its portfolio.

Some 150 airports worldwide could be in competition to attract Qatar Airways, as the carrier reveals plans to almost double its number of destinations.

Ali al-Rais, executive vice-president of the airline told Arabian Business that Qatar Airways would in time consider adding more destinations in North America, South America and Australia, among others, taking its number of destinations to 150.

Al-Rais, said: "We are aiming very high. We'd probably settle for 120 to 150 destinations across the world eventually."

He said Qatar Airways was pressing ahead with its expansion plans despite the global economic credit crunch.

The International Air Transport Association has predicted that Gulf carriers will report US$200 million losses this year as the economic downturn and lower passenger demand take effect.

Qatar Airways currently serves 83 destinations, including New York, Washington and, new for 2009, Houston, Texas.

Print | Email | Discuss this article

| Share |

READERS' COMMENTS

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Arabian Business would like to point out that only comments relevant to the story will be published. Any containing personal insults or inappropriate language will not be approved.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Enter the words above *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM