Qatar Airways yesterday celebrated the launch of its 30th European destination with daily scheduled flights to the Croatian capital Zagreb.
Qatar Airways' inaugural flight from Doha to Zagreb arrived in the Croatian capital to a traditional water salute welcome.
A traditional water salute at Zagreb Airport marked the arrival of Flight QR947 from Doha. The new route, operated via Budapest, also represents the first passenger flight to Croatia from the Gulf region.
Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker travelled on the inaugural service along with media from Asia, a key source market for the airline to its latest European gateway.
Local dignitaries from the airport and political and business circles attended the airport arrival ceremony in Zagreb.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, Al Baker said he was delighted to celebrate Qatar Airways’ long-awaited arrival into Croatia.
“Our new daily air link between my home city of Doha and Zagreb is further testament to Qatar Airways’ commitment to expanding our presence in Europe,” he said.
“Over the past 18 months we have grown our footprint significantly in Europe, and I am very pleased to say that today Zagreb becomes Qatar Airways’ 30th destination on the Continent, 114th overall worldwide and first route linking Croatia with the Gulf.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker is welcomed on arrival in Croatia by Zagreb Airport general manager Tonci Peovic.
“Croatia, with its flourishing tourism industry, remains a popular destination for travellers from the Middle East, Asia Pacific and beyond. With our new service, we look forward to making it easier for travellers from around the world to fly to Croatia without having to connect through busy European hubs,” added Al Baker.
He said: “Croatia also presents many development opportunities for our two countries and we are very proud to bring our award-winning service to this great country.
“Whether it’s Bangkok, Dubai, Shanghai or Manila, our seamless connections from Zagreb to the East, via our Doha hub, will provide holidaymakers and business travellers from Croatia with a wider network of destinations to choose from.
“We look forward welcoming travellers from Croatia to enjoy our renowned five-star service both in the air and on the ground.”
Zagreb Airport general manager Tonči Peović added: “We are happy and proud that Zagreb today became part of the network of destinations of Qatar Airways. The carrier is one of the leading airlines in the world, a welcome partner to every airport, and we see their arrival as the confirmation that our airport is on the right course of development. Establishing this transport link, along with the opening of a new Croatian embassy in Doha, will provide a platform for improved economic and tourism cooperation between the two regions and two cities.“
Qatar Airways is operating an Airbus A320 in a two-class configuration on the Zagreb – Doha route, with 12 seats in Business Class and up to 132 seats in Economy.
Pictured at the steps of Qatar Airways' inaugural flight at Zagreb Airport are from left: Qatar Airways vice-president Europe Paul Johannes; Zagreb Airport general manager Tonci Peovic; Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker; Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Transport Dan Simonic; Croatia Airlines CEO Srecko Simunovic; head of Zagreb Tourism Board Amelia Tomasevic; and assistant director Croatian National Tourist Office Milo Srsen.
Article Source : Arabian Aerospace
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