Flights to the Gulf could be getting a little cheaper as Qatar Airways introduces new competition between Australia and the Middle East.
Currently, UAE-based carriers, Emirates and Etihad dominate flights between the two regions, leaving little wiggle room in terms of fares.
However, today Qatar confirmed rumours that it would expand its presence in Australia with daily flights from Doha to Sydney.
Commencing 1 March 2016, Sydney will be the airline’s third Australian city after Melbourne and Perth. The non-stop flight will bring the carrier’s weekly services from Australia to Doha up to 14.
Utilising the airline’s Boeing 777 on the route, Flight QR908 will depart Doha at 8.20pm and arrive in Sydney the following day at 6.05. The aircraft will then depart Sydney as Flight QR909 at 10.20pm and arrive in Doha the next day at 5.05am.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker said the service will strengthen trade and commercial links between the two destinations and meet demand for more travel to the Gulf.
“We look forward to carrying more travellers to and from Australia across our extensive global network and providing them with another world-class experience both on board and on the ground at the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport in Doha.”
Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO
The new service will also create 3,000 local jobs and contribute over $240 million to the local economy.
Meanwhile, passengers boarding the Qatar Airways Boeing 777 can expect award-winning service and hospitality across all cabins.
The aircraft’s Business Class has fully-flat beds in the sky with 78 inches of seat pitch. In addition, the on-demand à la carte menu service allows Business Class passengers to order anything from the menu at any time during the flight.
