Flag carrier Qatar Airways marked the launch of its new four-times-weekly service between Doha and Durban with a two day celebration in the South African beachfront city last week.

The airline’s inaugural flight QR1367 on December 17, operated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was greeted at King Shaka International Airport by a delegation of senior officials.

Qatar Airways group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, who arrived in Durban on the inaugural flight said: “It is a great pleasure to further expand our worldwide network with the addition of Durban. We have connected the people of South Africa with our expanding global network for a decade and it is with much delight that we open a third gateway in this beautiful country.

“Durban’s prestige as a tourism destination is attracting an increasing number of travellers who deserve the world-class service and best in class value that only Qatar Airways can deliver.”

The Premier of the KwaZulu-Natal Province, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, welcomed Qatar Airways and said: “Direct long haul air services from Durban will continue to be very important for our province as they serve as the lifeblood of our economy, by opening up new markets for our goods around the world and delivering tourists to our shores.  In order to position this city internationally we have taken a route to position Durban as the events capital of Africa, this approach has brought us a tremendous amount of international attention and support from the business community, delegates, tourists and fans from around the world.”

Passengers to and from Durban will have the opportunity to enjoy award-winning Business and Economy Class service while travelling on a Qatar Airways Boeing 787, including up to 2,000 films, music titles and TV shows on Oryx One, the airline’s world-class inflight entertainment system. One of the newest aircraft in the Qatar Airways fleet, the Boeing 787, also known as the Dreamliner, accommodates 254 seats configured in two classes. – TradeArabia News Service