Qatar Airways launches Australia route

Qatar Airways said yesterday it has launched non-stop flights to Melbourne starting yesterday night, marking the launch of the Doha-based airline's services to the continent.

Melbourne became the airline's 85th destination to be added to its global network – the fourth new route for 2009 – with plans to launch the Sydney route next year.

"We have been eagerly planning our entry into the Australian market for several years. We are entering this market at a time of continued growth for the airline, despite the current economic climate where many airlines worldwide are consolidating and retrenching.

"Our strategy is long-term, maintaining our expansion plans to meet demand and this will remain unaffected despite the events around us," Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways' Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement.

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.