Barcelona, SPAIN – Qatar Airways, one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, achieved yet another milestone yesterday as it launched daily flights between Doha and Barcelona – its 90th destination.
With the touchdown of flight QR067 in Barcelona, where the aircraft was welcomed by a dramatic water salute and met by senior airport officials and local dignitaries, the airline reinforced its position as the only Gulf carrier flying to Spain.
Barcelona is Qatar Airways’ second city served in Spain, after Madrid, and is expected to receive great response from leisure and business travellers alike. The new route underscores a growing commitment by the airline to the Spanish market following earlier capacity increases to the country’s capital city of Madrid last year.
As Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona is a popular tourist centre on the Mediterranean coastline. It is home to one of Europe’s main ports and has a thriving economic base due largely to its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts and international trade. According to official tourism data, 52 million tourists visit Spain every year, making it one of the most visited countries in the world.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said that as a result of Spain’s escalating demand for air travel combined with the great popularity of the country among travellers from the Middle East and Asia, the Doha-based airline has steadily built up its presence in Spain.
“The launch of flights to Barcelona – our 90th destination in our ever-growing network is truly a milestone for Qatar Airways,” he said.
“Barcelona is a vibrant city with incredible appeal among leisure and business travellers, and we are confident that our new daily flights will be equally successful as our daily services to Madrid.”
Added Al Baker: “With 14 flights a week now operating to Spain, this reflects the high demand we have been experiencing in and out of the region, helped by increased economic ties between the Middle East and the Iberian Peninsula.”
In time for the summer holiday period, Qatar Airways’ newest destination is set to be a hot spot for everyone looking for a great place to spend their vacation.
Barcelona is the 2,000 year old capital of the Catalunyan region, an excellent year-round destination, offering art, unique architecture, nightlife, sophisticated shopping and gastronomical delights which cater to travellers of all ages and budgets.
The city has a population of over three million people. Due to its quaint Old Town centre and plenty of sightseeing attractions in close proximity of each other, visitors can easily explore Barcelona on foot.
Barcelona is also an ideal gateway city to further discover the magic of Spain such as the country’s southern region of Andalucia. Rich in Moorish history and architecture including the mythical Alhambra Palace and being the birthplace of the colourful Flamenco dance, the tourism Spain has to offer is one of a kind and determined to attract many travellers from the Middle East, South Asia and Asia-Pacific.
The city is the fifth new destination launched by Qatar Airways so far during 2010. Over the past six months, the carrier has introduced services to Bengaluru (Bangalore), Copenhagen, Ankara and Tokyo.
Beginning June 24, Qatar Airways will serve the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo and the Argentine capital Buenos Aires with daily scheduled flights direct from Doha. The addition of South America will ensure Qatar Airways becomes a truly global airline – a remarkable feat in just 13 years since its launch.
Qatar Airways’ renowned service has received numerous international accolades for its high service standards and great hospitality. The independent aviation industry audit Skytrax recently voted Qatar Airways as the World’s 3rd Best Airline at the annual Skytrax Airline Awards 2010 and named Qatar Airways as Best Airline in the Middle East for the fifth consecutive year.
Passengers flying First Class or Business Class through Doha onto connecting cities with Qatar Airways will be able to transit through the airline’s exclusive Premium Terminal, where they can unwind and relax enjoying creature comforts of the facilities, including fine dining, spa treatments and duty free shopping.
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 83 aircraft to 90 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and North America.
On the Doha – Barcelona route, Qatar Airways operates an Airbus A319 in a two-class configuration of 8 seats in Business Class and 102 in Economy.
The Custom House was built between 1781 and 1791 by James Gandon. As its name would imply, it served as the Customs House for the port of Dublin. The Neoclassical facade and its signature dome became a symbol of Dublin, even after the port moved downstream. It became the center of the city's local government (and a symbol of the English occupation) until 1922, when the interior w...
The Nobel Peace Center is one of Oslo’s most modern museums and was completed in 2005. Inside, you will find a history of the award’s namesake, Alfred Nobel, along with profiles of each of the winners of the award. Informative movies and recordings of past ceremonies are also included in the museum. Sometimes, former winners come to give lectures within the museum’s confines. The museum is located...
Adaaran Club Rannalhi is located in south Male Island and is known for its untouched natural beauty and fertility. Perhaps this is the reason why the island is also called "Rannalhi”, which in Dhivehi means a "A Measure of Gold”. This is a very lively place where something is always happening. Some guests are enjoying water sports, while others are part of group activities led by friendly animator...
Bolshoi means'grand' and this theatre is so because of its brilliant ballet and opera performances. It was built in 1825 to replace the Petrovka theatre which had been destroyed in a fire. Later on it had to be re-built following another fire in 1853. The theatre was intended to cater to the whims of the royal family and other nobles and was a status symbol. Performances include Swan Lake, Sleepin...