Fly more, pay less with American Express and Qatar Airways

Beginning in April, American Express Cardmembers based in the Kingdom of Bahrain will receive up to 15 per cent discount on Qatar Airways flights departing from Bahrain to any of the 70 destinations the airline flies to on a daily basis (except Doha).

The bonus offer, which runs from April until September 2007, means first and business class passengers will receive a 15 per cent discount, and economy class passengers will receive a 10 per cent discount.

Summer travel has become an integral part of life in the GCC, with most holidaymakers heading increasingly for new and exciting destinations every year, said Sunita Gomes, Regional Manager, Airline and Travel Industries at American Express.

"Our Cardmembers are frequent international travelers and the travel offers through our Selects programme is a benefit that can enhance and add value to their travel experiences. With the addition of Qatar Airways, we are providing our Cardmembers in Bahrain with broader access to destinations all over the world,"

Gomes said.

The pairing of world-leading card brand American Express and the regional airline is a union of like-minded entities, said Abdulla Ghuloom, Area Manager for Qatar Airways in Bahrain.

"Qatar Airways and American Express are both premium brands and establishing this joint promotion was a natural move," Ghuloom said. "We share a similar client base and believe this initiative will deliver a real benefit to our passengers."

Industry reports indicate that passenger air traffic volume in the Middle East has grown at an average rate of nine per cent per year for the past five years.1

Qatar Airways will be launching new routes during the summer months to Washington DC, Geneva, Bali, Chennai and Ho Chi Minh City. The airline is one of only four airlines in the world to receive a five star ranking for service and excellence from Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency.

Travel benefits offered by American Express includes exclusive Hotel room rates at over 21,000 Hotels, Access to Airport Lounges across the Middle East, Free Emergency Assistance to medical, legal and business services and Free Travel Accident Insurance. Travel Inconvenience Insurance provides coverage against flight delays, missed connections, cancellations or not being able to board due to overbooking. It also provides coverage for luggage losses and delays. Furthermore, free Emergency Card Replacement of lost, damaged or stolen Cards and travel planning through 2,200 American Express Travel Service Locations around the world, can ensure uninterrupted travel.