Qatar Airways celebrates new service between Doha and Durban

30 December 2015 02:35 am - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Two days of celebrations marked the launch of Qatar Airways’ new four-times-weekly service between Doha and Durban last week in the South African beachfront city.

Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight QR1367, operated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was greeted at King Shaka International Airport by a delegation of senior officials including the Province of KwaZulu-Natal’s Premier Senzo Mchunu, MPL, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Michael Mabuyakhulu, the Mayor of eThekwini Cllr. James Nxumalo, Hamish Erskine, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Dube TradePort and Terence Delomoney General Manager of King Shaka International Airport. The local dignitaries welcomed guests from Doha as they disembarked from the inaugural flight.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, who arrived in Durban on the inaugural flight said: “It is a great pleasure to further expand our worldwide network with the addition of Durban. We have connected the people of South Africa with our expanding global network for a decade and it is with much delight that we open a third gateway in this beautiful country.

“Durban’s prestige as a tourism destination is attracting an increasing number of travellers who deserve the world-class service and best in class value that only Qatar Airways can deliver.”

The Premier of the KwaZulu-Natal Province, Senzo Mchunu, welcomed Qatar Airways and remarked, “Direct long haul air services from Durban will continue to be very important for our province as they serve as the lifeblood of our economy, by opening up new markets for our goods around the world and delivering tourists to our shores. In order to position this city internationally we have taken a route to position Durban as the events capital of Africa, this approach has brought us a tremendous amount of international attention and support from the business community, delegates, tourists and fans from around the world.”

The celebrations continued on Friday 18th December with a media briefing and VIP lunch at Camp Orchards, Hillcrest, hosted by Al Baker, and attended by local dignitaries including the Premier of the KwaZulu-Natal Province, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, MPL, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Michael Mabuyakhulu and the Mayor of eThekwini, Cllr. James Nxumalo.

The same afternoon an outdoor event took place on Durban beach front, adjacent to Moyo Pier, where local artist Pumelelo Kole recreated the Doha skyline out of sand. The 2x3 metre construction was unveiled to the waiting crowd and international, national and local social media influencers who had the opportunity to take selfies with Qatar Airways artwork.

The launch of the new service between Doha and Durban on Thursday 17 December 2015, complements the airline’s existing daily flights to Cape Town and double-daily flights to Johannesburg, and is an expansion of the airline’s operations in South Africa. Travellers can now choose from a total of 21 flights a week to South Africa from Qatar Airways’ hub, Hamad International Airport.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Qatar Airways celebrates new service between Doha and Durban

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

New Visa procedure implemented

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

SL took minimal steps to punish officials who committed human rights abuses: US report

Iranian President’s visit Sri Lanka withstands western pressure

25 tons of solid waste disposed along Sri Pada route

Temperature rises to ‘Caution’ level

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident

Indian cricket manager indicted for Legend Cricket League match-fixing allegations