Posted on 06/09/2003 7:14:48 AM PDT by chance33_98
Qatar Airways to launch first commercial air services into Basra, Iraq
Qatar Airways will become the first airline to operate commercial air services into Iraq in 12 years, when it begins two weekly flights into the southern Iraqi city of Basra from June 10.
The first flight to Basra will carry much needed human and medical aid, a grant from the people of Qatar. "We initially expect the flights to Basra will serve the international aid community," said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker.
Qatar Airways has proved itself to be one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. In the last year alone, it recorded sales revenue 12 percent higher than forecasts, despite the downtrend in the international aviation industry. Qatar Airways has launched an aggressive growth plan to ensure it can offer people a greater choice of destination, more flights, and the latest in-flight products and services.
As part of this growth plan, Qatar Airways will extend its route network to 50 destinations by the end of 2003. It presently flies to 40 destinations. It has recently added Manchester, Rome, and Kochi to its increasing route network. It will begin flights to Moscow in August. — (menareport.com)
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