Qatar Airways has confirmed a March 1 2016 launch of its new Sydney-Doha route a week after the Australian and Qatari governments approved an increase in available capacity between the two countries.
The new daily service will be operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and is scheduled as an evening departure from Doha, arriving in Sydney at 1805 local time. The reciprocal takes off from Sydney at 2220.
The airline said on Wednesday the evening departure in both directions offered excellent connections across its network.
“The expansion of our Australia services will undoubtedly boost and strengthen the trade and commercial links that exist between Qatar and Australia, setting the stage for even more robust partnership opportunities in the near future,” Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said in a statement.
“We look forward to carrying more travellers to and from Australia across our extensive global network and providing them with another world-class experience both on board and on the ground at the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport in Doha.”
Qatar Airways had utilised all available capacity for Qatari flag carriers with its daily services to both Melbourne and Perth under the previous air services agreement.
However, the Australian government announced on September 24 the bilateral has been expanded from 14 frequencies a week to 21 frequencies a week, effective immediately, paving the way for Qatar to add Sydney to its network.
Sydney Airport chief executive Kerrie Mather said the new daily flights from Qatar would boost inbound tourism and support the state and national economy.
“Qatar Airways’ service will also provide greater air cargo access to the Middle East and the growing Qatar market, which is great for NSW exports,” Mather said in a statement.
Qatar Airways Sydney schedule (Flights start March 1 2016)
QR908 depart Doha 2010, arrive Sydney 1805 (next day)
QR909 depart Sydney 2220, arrive Doha 0505 (next day)
Source: Qatar Airways (all times local)
