Qatar Airways has launched scheduled flights to Maputo in Mozambique, the airline’s 10th new route of the year.
Qatar Airways is the only airline from the Middle East to fly to Mozambique. Maputo is Qatar Airways’ 19th gateway across Africa.
Qatar Airways will use its flagship long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft on the Maputo route, featuring 335 seats in a two-class configuration of 42 business class and 293 economy seats.
Flight QR584 arrived in Maputo yesterday to a water salute and a welcome by traditional dancers followed by an airport ceremony attended by more than 80 local dignitaries.
Guests on the inaugural flight to the former Portuguese colony included Cristiano dos Santos, Consul General of Mozambique to UAE, responsible for Qatar; and Salem Abdullah Sultan al-Jaber, Ambassador of Qatar in South Africa with responsibility for Mozambique.
The arrival ceremony at Maputo International Airport was attended, among others, by Mozambique’s Minister of Transportation and Communication Paulo Zucula; CEO of Mozambique Airports Authority Manuel Veterano; and CEO of Mozambique Civil Aviation Afonso Sande Cuinhane.
Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar al-Baker said the latest route marked yet another significant milestone for the award-winning airline that has spread its international wings to its 19th gateway in Africa and - 10th new route of the year so far.
“With the discovery of large reserves of natural gas, Mozambique is today emerging as one of the fastest growing economies in the region. With this in mind, Qatar Airways always looks to open up air travel markets, which are underserved.
“Mozambique has historic links with Europe, being a former Portuguese colony, so we look forward to flying passengers with family or business ties to and from Lisbon through our online points in southern Europe.”
Qatar Airways senior manager (Africa) Rashid Mordiffi, who led a delegation on the inaugural flight, said, “Launching these new flights to Maputo shows our confidence and commitment to this vibrant economy. Being an important port in Mozambique, Maputo is a vital economic supply corridor to neighbouring landlocked countries in Southern Africa and strategically well positioned.”
Source :gulf-times.com
