NAIROBI, Kenya Nov, 19 – Qatar Airways has announced plans to rebuild its network to cover 126 destinations across Africa, America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East by end of March 2021 as part of its COVID-19 recovery plan.
The airline which is currently operating 700 weekly flights to about 100 destinations worldwide is one of the few global airlines that never stopped operations at the height of the pandemic, with its operations not going below 30 destinations and 150 weekly flights.
The announcement came as the airline marked 15 years of operation on the Nairobi-Doha route where it is currently operating two daily flights.
“We are delighted to be celebrating this milestone. Over the past 15 years, Nairobi has demonstrated its importance as a business and leisure market becoming one of our most popular destinations with global travelers. Qatar Airways is proud to have provided over a decade of quality international service for our valued travelers in Kenya, and we are looking forward to serving this important gateway for many years to come,” said Hendrik Du Preez, Vice President Commercial Africa, Qatar Airways.
Last month, the airline expanded its interline agreement with Kenya Airways to cover 43 destinations across the continent.
“We will serve many cities with a strong schedule with daily or more frequencies,” Du Preez said.
The airline commemorated this milestone with a celebratory water cannon salute and delighted passengers with a special performance by national dancers upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
Currently, the double-daily flights between Nairobi and Doha are serviced by its modern fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner, featuring 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class.
In addition, Qatar Airways carrier operates fourteen belly-hold flights and six freighters every week, offering more than 600 tonnes of combined cargo capacity each way boosting the Kenyan export market to Europe and the Middle East.
As part of the 15 years celebration, the airline will fit more than 100 of its aircrafts with super Wi-Fi to offer passengers free onboard Wi-Fi connectivity.
By the end of the IATA Winter Season in March 2021, Qatar Airways plans to rebuild its network to 126 destinations including 20 in Africa, 11 in the Americas, 42 in Asia-Pacific, 38 in Europe, and 15 in the Middle East. Many cities will be served with a strong schedule with daily or more frequencies.