Qatar Airways prepares for Stockholm launch

Beginning November 27, Qatar Airways will operate four non-stop flights a week between Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, and Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport.

The award-winning airline, ranked Five Star for service and hospitality by industry audit Skytrax, will use an Airbus A319, with a two-class configuration offering eight seats in Business Class and 102 seats in Economy.

With the launch of Stockholm, Qatar Airways adds its second European destination to its rapidly-growing international network this year following on from the successful launch in June of flights between Doha and Geneva.

Sweden is Europe's third largest country in size with a population of nine million people. Its capital Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia and has a population of around 800,000 inhabitants, similar to Qatar. The city is built on 14 islands, which are connected by 57 bridges and embraces a unique character of its 13th century Old Town and modern high-tech architecture.

Sweden is currently one of Europe's strongest economies, the largest market in the Baltic Sea region and has attracted the highest numbers of business travellers and tourists among all Scandinavian countries.

With highly developed firms in the construction, environmental technology and telecommunication sectors, there are already significant business tie-ups between Qatar and Sweden, and indeed the entire Scandinavian region.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the addition of Stockholm reinforced the airline's strategy to serve key cities around the world.

"We are proud to be the first carrier from the Gulf region to be flying to Stockholm. With this route launch we will be able to serve the entire Scandinavian market and vice versa bringing visitors from key feeder markets of the GCC countries to the Scandinavian countries," he said.

"Stockholm is a vitally important commercial and business centre, as well as a popular city for tourism. Our new service will contribute to bridging links between two very different parts of the world."

Stockholm will be destination number 80 for Qatar Airways, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, which operates scheduled flights from Doha to cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America, Indian subcontinent and Far East with a fleet of 58 all-Airbus aircraft.

With a growing international network, Al Baker added that more travellers would have an opportunity to use Qatar Airways' brand new Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport, exclusively for departing First and Business Class passengers.

The Premium Terminal features facilities such as a spa, jacuzzi, duty free, business centre and fine dining restaurants. Built in just nine months, the terminal is the world's first commercial passenger building dedicated to First and Business Class passengers.

The Doha - Stockholm schedules, effective 27 November 2007 are:-

Depart Doha International Airport
Monday
QR089 at 1305, arrive Stockholm-Arlanda at 1800
Tuesday
QR091 at 0210, arrive Stockholm-Arlanda at 0705
Friday
QR089 at 1305, arrive Stockholm-Arlanda at 1800
Saturday
QR091 at 0210, arrive Stockholm-Arlanda at 0705

Depart Stockholm-Arlanda Airport
Monday
QR090 at 2205, arrive Doha International at 0600 following day
Tuesday
QR092 at 1105 arrive Doha International at 1900
Friday
QR090 at 2205 arrive Doha International at 0600 following day
Saturday
QR092 at 1105 arrive Doha International at 1900

Qatar Airways operates daily 8 flights from Dubai to Doha