Qatar Airways first to touchdown at new Munich Airport Terminal

The new terminal is exclusively dedicated to Lufthansa, its Star Alliance partners, and Qatar Airways. The Qatari flag-carrier, the only Mid-Eastern airline to fly to Munich, has non-stop Doha - Munich services thrice weekly.

Mr. Akbar Al Baker commented: "This event cements relations between Qatar Airways, Munich Airport and Lufthansa. We look forward to increasing the number of our flights to Munich after gaining necessary permissions and expect further expansions at the airport.

"With the move to the new terminal, we are offering a sophisticated service to our guests that, together with our ambitious level of performance, will meet the expectations of travellers choosing a premium carrier like Qatar Airways."

Mr. Al Baker toured the new terminal with senior Lufthansa and Munich Airport officials accompanied by more than 200 travel trade media.

Later Mr. Al Baker was guest of honour on a 45-minute flight, around Munich and over the Alps, organised by the airport management.

Munich Airport (FMG) and Lufthansa have agreed to share entrepreneurial responsibility for financing and operating the new terminal. The cooperation was formalised under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 1998.

Qatar Airways will extend its route network to 50 destinations by the end of this year. It presently flies to 41 destinations. Qatar Airways is also increasing its fleet. It presently has 24 Airbus aircraft, which will increase to 52 by the end of 2008. Qatar Airways is also one of the launch customers for the A380 'super jumbo'.

Qatar Airways also operates a number of subsidiary companies including: Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Aviation Catering Company, Qatar Airways Holidays, Doha International Airport, and Qatar Duty Free.