The capital of Namibia, Windhoek, yesterday welcomed the first Qatar Airways flight to arrive at its international airport from Doha, Qatar.

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 Mr. Digu //Naobeb, chief executive officer, 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’ state-of-the-art hub and home Hamad International Airport in Doha. Windhoek will be the 23rd destination in Africa served by the award-winning 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.”

//Naobeb said: “The new flight route provides the opportunity to promote Namibia as a business and leisure destination amongst Qatar Airways’ wide network of travellers. The route not only improves connections with mature destinations, but 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. This will offer Namibian businesses a prime 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 of 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class. All seats include individual television screens, with Economy Class customers benefitting from a screen 10.6 inches wide, offering the latest in-flight entertainment comprised of up to 3,000 options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board wi-fi and GSM service. - TradeArabia News Service