Ambitious Qatar Airways to launch South American routes

Qatar Airways will deploy two brand new Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft, acquired in the last three months, on the two South American routes – to the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo and Argentine capital Buenos Aires – from 24 June

QATAR. Qatar Airways has announced that it will begin daily flights to Brazil and Argentina from 24 June, marking the airline’s first online operations to South America.

Two new Boeing 777-200 long range aircraft, acquired by the airline in the last three months, will be deployed on the two South American routes – to the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo and Argentine capital Buenos Aires.

The date announcement comes just weeks after the airline revealed plans to serve South America. The flights will offer convenient connections from key markets across Asia and the Gulf to South America.

“We have seven new routes lined up during the first six months of 2010, and the airline plans to open up even more routes within the next 12 months“

Akbar Al Baker Chief Executive Officer Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said that adding destinations in South America to the network was a great achievement for the young airline.

“We have experienced incredible expansion over the years and by soon adding Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires to our growing network, we can proudly say Qatar Airways is a truly international airline,” said Al Baker.

The new Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft deployed on the South American flights features a total of 259 seats – 42 seats in Business Class in a 2-2-2 configuration and 217 seats in Economy in a 3-3-3 layout offering maximum space and comfort.

With Business Class seats that convert into 180 degree fully flat horizontal beds, the aircraft is designed to operate on ultra-long routes of up to 17 hours non-stop. It already serves Houston and Melbourne, non-stop from Doha.

Al Baker added: “We have seven new routes lined up during the first six months of 2010, and the airline plans to open up even more routes within the next 12 months as our growth strategy continues to evolve.

“The airline is receiving on average one new aircraft a month, allowing us to concentrate on enhancing our existing services, as well as opening up new routes. It’s a very exciting time for Qatar Airways.”

Qatar Airways recently launched daily flights to the southern Indian city of Bengaluru (Bangalore). Copenhagen joins the network from 30 March. Flights to Ankara begin on 5 April; Tokyo starts on 26 April; and Barcelona from 7 June.