Moscow welcomes inaugural Qatar Airways flight

Moscow has become Qatar Airways’ 42nd destination with its inaugural flight landing at Sheremetyevo Airport earlier today, as the airline continues to introduce its services to new cities across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East.

QR 868 landed in Moscow early this afternoon, where a senior Qatar Airways delegation, headed by Chief Executive Officer Mr Akbar Al Baker, was met by senior government officials and airport authorities.

‘We’re very excited about being able to offer our services between Doha and Moscow," said Mr Al Baker.

"Moscow represents our 42nd destination and our first Eastern European city.

"With its strong historical and cultural elements, and its renewal as a major shopping city, we expect Moscow to be very popular with the leisure market.

"We're also anticipating a significant amount of business traffic given the increasing trade relations between Russia and the Gulf region.

"I think Russians will quickly become aware that when they fly Qatar Airways, they will be getting the best cabin service of any Middle Eastern airline, and one of the best in the world.

"We'll also offer good connections to the rest of the Gulf, the Middle East and the Qatar Airways network.

"We'll initially be using our new long range A319 on the route. We've chosen this aircraft because of its range and the high level of comfort and services it gives passengers," said Mr Al Baker.

Qatar Airways will fly three times a week to Moscow, every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Flights will leave Doha on Wednesdays at 07:45 am and arrive at 2:05 pm. On Fridays, the flight will leave Doha at 07:15 am and arrive at 1:35 pm. And on Saturdays, the flight will leave at 11.30 am and arrive at 5:50 pm.

The flight will leave Moscow on Wednesdays at 3:05 pm and reach Doha at 7:05 pm. On Fridays, the flight will leave at 2:45 pm, arriving in Doha at 6:45 pm. And on Saturdays, the flights will depart Moscow at 6:50 pm and arrive at 10:50 pm.

Qatar Airways is planning to extend its route network to 50 destinations by the end of 2003. It recently added Manchester and Rome to its increasing route network, and will soon be adding Shanghai, Seoul and Tripoli.