Qatar Airways this week broke new ground by becoming the first Middle Eastern carrier to begin flights to the Indonesian island of Bali. The move enhances Qatar Airways’ expanding network in the Far East, according to its Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who was in Bali to celebrate the launch of the new destination.

“We look forward to bringing passengers to this tropical paradise from throughout our international network, especially from Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Likewise, we anticipate many business travellers will be looking to take advantage of the new Doha to Bali connection,” he said.

Al Baker praised the island’s tourism sector for its resilience having facing tremendous challenges over the past few years. He expressed delight that Qatar Airways was able to launch flights to the island which, he said, would undoubtedly help bring in tourists from around the world and give the island’s tourism industry a huge boost.

Qatar Airways’ first flight from Doha to Bali landed in the island’s capital, Denpasar on March 25 and was greeted with typical tropical island flair. The Doha-based carrier serves Denpasar four-times-a-week with an Airbus A300 aircraft, in a two-class configuration of up to 30 seats in Business Class and 186 seats in Economy.

Qatar Airways views Bali as an important part of a wider expansion plan into Asia. The addition of Bali, as well as Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam this week sees Qatar Airways now flying to 14 destinations across the Far East, with Hong Kong, Osaka, Beijing, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Yangon, Manila and Cebu, all part of its growing Asian network.

The airline aims to double the size of its fleet to more than 110 aircraft by 2015, as well as continually adding to its current list of 75 destinations worldwide.

Al Baker said with new routes being added to the airline’s network each year, more passengers flying Qatar Airways First and Business Class can use the carrier’s exclusive Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport, where they can unwind and relax before catching their flight.