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Qatar Airways makes history as the first airline ever to operate an Airbus A350 to the Maldives

Mozambique.

Award-winning airline launches its Airbus A350 starting 31 October.

DOHA, QATAR – In a move that makes history, Qatar Airways announced that it is the first airline ever to fly the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 to the Maldives.

The airline has upgraded its current double-daily A330 service to an A350, with the first A350 beginning operations today and the second A350 service joining shortly afterwards on 3 November.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are proud to be the first airline to fly our Airbus A350 to the Maldives. As one of the airline’s most in-demand destinations, we are delighted to be upgrading our aircraft and providing our passengers with the ultimate comfort and services on board one of the most technologically innovative aircraft in the sky.”

Renowned worldwide for its pristine white-sandy beaches, idyllic diving spots and preserved natural wonders, the Maldives is truly one of the world’s most exotic and tranquil leisure destinations. The picture-perfect islands are located in the Indian Ocean and are just five hours from Doha.

Qatar Airways first launched service to the Maldives in December 2001. The airline operated the service using an A330 aircraft, which features 30 seats in Business Class and 275 in Economy Class. 

Qatar Airways was the global launch customer of the Airbus A350 in January 2015. The award-winning airline has the largest fleet of this aircraft type of any airline in the world and currently operates 19 A350 aircraft across its global network to destinations, including Adelaide, Brussels, Geneva, Singapore and Tokyo. It was the first airline to fly the A350 to the United States and to Australia.

The Airbus A350 aircraft features a total of 283 seats, with 36 Business class seats and 247 in Economy Class. Thanks to the extra-wide cabin design, passengers on board are offered unparalleled comfort in both cabins, with Business Class fully flat beds and spacious seats in Economy.

With high-definition touch screens and dual-screen function that allows for simultaneous viewing, passengers can enjoy countless entertainment options through the airline’s award winning Oryx One entertainment system, as well as connect to the internet using the OnAir Wi-Fi service.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar is one of the fastest-growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its twentieth year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.

The award-winning airline has received a number of accolades this year, including ‘Airline of the Year’ by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, which was held at the Paris Air Show. This is the fourth time that Qatar Airways has been given this global recognition as the world’s best airline. In addition to being voted ‘Best Airline’ by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’

Doha – Maldives Flight Schedule:
Daily

  • Doha (DOH) to Maldives (MLE) QR672 departs: 02:10 arrives: 09:00
  • Maldives (MLE) to Doha (DOH) to QR673 departs: 10:15 arrives: 13:15
  • Doha (DOH) to Maldives (MLE) QR674 departs: 08:25 arrives: 15:15
  • Maldives (MLE) to Doha (DOH) to QR673 departs: 20:20 arrives: 23:20

Qatar Airways Touches Down for the First Time at Sarajevo International Airport in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The first Qatar Airways non-stop flight from Doha to Sarajevo touched down at Sarajevo International Airport, where it was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute. The newly-launched service to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina will operate a four times-weekly schedule on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with a flight time of just six hours.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, travelled on board the inaugural flight with the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Ambassador to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Mr. Tarik Sadovic, whose support has led to the launch of the scheduled service, and was greeted by Qatar’s Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, His Excellency Mr. Rashid bin Mubarak Al Kuwari; Mr. Armin Kajmakovic, Director Sarajevo International Airport and Mayor of Sarajevo, Mr. Abdulah Skaka.

H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Following the launch of service to three Eastern European capitals this summer, we are excited to be adding Sarajevo as our fourth destination in this region to our global route network. As the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are confident that this will be a popular and much-anticipated gateway into the country for both business and leisure travellers from across our network. With four weekly flights in service, passengers travelling from Sarajevo are now connected seamlessly to more than 150 destinations, via our state-of-the-art hub in Doha.”

The Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Qatar, H.E. Mr. Tarik Sadovic, said: "Following the launch of the Doha to Sarajevo direct flight service, we open a new chapter in relations between two friendly countries: Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This will greatly facilitate our cooperation and initiate development in various areas. We thank the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his wise leadership and support. We especially thank and congratulate Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker and his associates for bringing the world's best airline to Sarajevo.

“We welcome their readiness to promote Bosnia and Herzegovina in Qatar and beyond in key global markets. We congratulate all the domestic decision makers on a job well-done. We are pleased to point out that the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Doha has in its capacity successfully completed this diplomatic task and was a reliable partner during the entire process."

Director of Sarajevo International Airport, Mr. Armin Kajmakovic, added: “It is our pleasure that Qatar Airways, one of the most credible international carriers, which has a fleet of more than 200 of the most sophisticated aircraft that fly to more than 150 destinations all over the world, has recognised Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina as a promising tourist and business destination. Thanks to this scheduled air service to Doha, as one of the biggest hubs in the world, from now on our passengers with only one transfer may reach almost any destination in the world. This air service is especially important for our many citizens working in Qatar.

In the last four months, Qatar Airways has bolstered its already robust operations in Eastern Europe by expanding its network to include Skopje, Prague, and Kyiv. The airline has served key cities in the region such as Belgrade, Warsaw and Zagreb for many years, and sees the potential for continued growth in this rapidly developing market.

Qatar Airways will operate four times a week to Sarajevo with an Airbus A320 aircraft, which features 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy Class. Passengers will be able to enjoy the airline’s superior entertainment system offering countless entertainment options.

Sarajevo, a sophisticated city, captivates tourists with its intriguing juxtaposition of past and present. Visitors can wander through Bascarsija, Sarajevo's bazaar built during the Ottoman period, or visit the Yellow Fortress, which offers a spectacular view of the city. In winter, Sarajevo's mountain resorts Bjelasnica and Jahorina offer some of Europe's best-value skiing.

Qatar Airways will be adding flights to many more exciting destinations to its network in 2017 and 2018, including Canberra, Australia; Chiang Mai, Thailand; and Cardiff, UK, to name a few.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar is one of the fastest-growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 20th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.

The award-winning airline has received a number of accolades this year, including ‘Airline of the Year’ by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held at the Paris Air Show. This is the fourth time that Qatar Airways has been given this global recognition as the world’s best airline. In addition to being voted Best Airline by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’

Doha – Sarajevo Flight Schedule:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

  • Doha (DOH) to Sarajevo (SJJ) QR293 departs: 07:00 arrives: 11:00
  • Sarajevo (SJJ) to Doha (DOH) QR294 departs: 12:00 arrives: 19:20

Sunday

  • Doha (DOH) to Sarajevo (SJJ) QR293 departs: 06:25 arrives: 10:25
  • Sarajevo (SJJ) to Doha (DOH) QR294 departs: 11:25 arrives: 18:45

Qatar Airways Celebrates Five Years Of Award-Winning Service to Mozambique
Qatar Airways also celebrate its five-year anniversary of operating direct flights from Doha to Maputo, Mozambique. On 31 October, the airline celebrated this milestone by giving away gifts to arriving and departing passengers at Maputo International Airport.

Mozambique, known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters and world-class snorkelling, is renowned as Africa’s best-kept secret. Qatar Airways’ service to the capital city of Maputo, launched in 2012, offered passengers a new gateway to this coastal paradise.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “In the past five years, Maputo has demonstrated just how attractive it is as a tourist destination. An excellent example of an underserved destination, this hidden African gem has offered many tourists a truly memorable and authentic experience. We are delighted to be celebrating five years of service on this route, and we look forward to many more celebrations on the African continent.”

Qatar Airways operates three flights a week to Maputo with an Airbus A330 aircraft, featuring 24 seats in Business Class and 236 seats in Economy Class. Passengers are able to enjoy the airline’s superior entertainment system, Oryx One, which offers up to 4,000 entertainment options. Business Class passengers can also enjoy flatbed seats as well as a dine-on-demand option, offering a world-class standard of comfort on board.

Earlier this month, the airline also celebrated its one-year anniversary of operating direct service to Windhoek, Namibia, and it prepares to celebrate its first year of operations to the Seychelles towards the end of the year.

Qatar Airways operates to 20 destinations in Africa, including Addis Ababa, Algiers, Cape Town, Casablanca, Durban, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Lagos, Marrakech, Nairobi and Zanzibar, among others.

The award-winning airline has received a number of accolades this year, including Airline of the Year by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, which was held at the Paris Air Show. This is the fourth time that Qatar Airways has been given this global recognition as the world’s best airline. In addition to being voted ‘World’s Best Airline’ by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’

The airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), is the first airport in the Middle East to receive a 5-Star rating from Skytrax. The 5-Star Airport rating is only awarded to airports that achieve the highest overall Quality Performance, recognising the provision of excellent facilities for travellers and high quality airport staff service. Only six airports in the world hold this prestigious title, including Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo-Haneda and Munich. Passengers transfer through our hub in as little as 45 minutes, seamlessly connecting to more than 150 destinations on Qatar Airways’ network.

Qatar Airways has added many new exciting destinations to its network in 2017, including Nice, Dublin and Prague, to name a just a few.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar is one of the fastest-growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 20th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.

Flight Schedule:
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

  • Doha (DOH) to Mozambique (MPM) QR1361 departs: 02:30 arrives: 10:00
  • Mozambique (MPM) to Doha (DOH) QR1362 departs: 11:30 arrives: 21:30
Co-Founder & Chief Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | Website | + Posts

Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

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