Qatar Airways launches flights to German capital

The new four-times-a-week service to Berlin Tegel International Airport strengthens Qatar Airways' presence in the German market, which already includes daily flights to Frankfurt and five services a week to Munich all operating non-stop.

The addition of Berlin has been made possible following a successful round of air service bilateral talks between the governments of Qatar and Germany earlier this year when Qatar Airways was permitted to raise capacity between the two countries.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said he was delighted to see yet another European capital join the airline's burgeoning global network this winter following the recent launch of scheduled flights to Madrid.

"Thanks to the diligent efforts of government officials and the airport authority here in Berlin, we are today celebrating the launch of our newest route and bringing our unique hospitality to the people of this historic city," he said before boarding the inaugural flight.

"This is a wonderful day for Qatar Airways as we have strengthened our presence in the German market and expanded our European network. Qatar Airways and, indeed, the State of Qatar have enjoyed a very good relationship with Germany, which has grown from strength to strength.

"We have gradually built up air links between Qatar and Germany which now stand at daily flights to Frankfurt, and five services a week to Munich and, of course, today's launch of the Berlin route. We also have strong ties with our codeshare partner Lufthansa with whom we work very closely on flights between our respective countries."

Added Al Baker: "Our commercial team in Doha is evaluating other destinations across Germany and we hope to be in a position to announce further expansion into Germany over the next few months."

Qatar Airways is operating four scheduled flights a week on the Berlin route using an Airbus A319 in a two-class configuration of eight seats in Business and 102 in Economy.

The Berlin services will provide convenient connections over Qatar Airways' operational hub of Doha, to its extensive network of services across the Middle East, Africa, Far East and Indian subcontinent.'

To celebrate the route launch, Qatar Airways is offering members of its Privilege Club frequent flyer programme with double Qmiles for the first full month of the Berlin route.

With Berlin, the Kenyan capital Nairobi and the Spanish capital Madrid added to Qatar Airways' network this winter, the airline's global route map has expanded to 69 online destinations. Together with its codeshare partners, Qatar Airways serves more than 80 destinations worldwide.

Qatar Airways has established a reputation in the global aviation industry as one of the fastest growing carriers in the world, offering its award-winning Five Star service with unique hospitality.

The airline operates a modern fleet of 42 all-Airbus aircraft, which will almost triple in size to 110 jets by 2015. It recently announced plans to acquire up to 80 aircraft, comprising 60 of the new generation A350s and 20 Boeing 777s worth a total US$15.2 billion.

Qatar Airways is one of the launch customers of the twin-deck Airbus A380 'super jumbos' with four aircraft on order and scheduled for delivery from 2009 to coincide with the opening of the New Doha International Airport, a state-of-the-art facility being built on reclaimed land.