Qatar Airways embarked on the second leg of its 2010 expansion programme with the launch of flights to Denmark and further strengthening its operations in Scandinavia. Flight QR 097 arrived in the Danish capital Copenhagen this morning following its non-stop journey from Qatar Airways’ operational hub of Doha, capital of the State of Qatar. With four-flights-a-week on the route, Qatar Airways offers an excellent alternative gateway to Scandinavia, as well as great connections via Doha to an exciting range of business and leisure destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and South Asia.

The new launch, together with the introduction last Sunday of additional capacity on the Doha – Stockholm route, reinforces Qatar Airways’ position as the only Gulf carrier currently flying to Scandinavia.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: ”Today marks a significant expansion to Scandinavia for Qatar Airways with the launch of our newest route to this part of the world.

”The introduction of flights to Copenhagen opens up a brand new opportunity for business and leisure travellers from Denmark and the surrounding Nordic countries to the Middle East and beyond.

“Qatar Airways offers one of the fastest journey times from Copenhagen via Doha to the Middle East, to 11 destinations in India and many cities across Asia Pacific, including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Osaka, Singapore, Maldives and Melbourne.

”Similarly, we are opening up a new European gateway for travellers from the Middle East, Africa and Asia to this vibrant, historic city of Copenhagen in Northern Europe.

”The new route also further strengthens our position as the only Gulf carrier to Scandinavia. Only two days ago, Qatar Airways increased capacity to the Swedish capital Stockholm from four-flights-a-week to daily.”

Added Al Baker: “With 11 flights a week now operating to Scandinavia, this reflects the high demand we have been experiencing in and out of the region, helped by increased economic ties between the Middle East and Scandinavia.

”Over the past three years since we opened up the Stockholm route, we have established a prominent presence in the Nordic countries with great connections to and from many cities, including Gothenburg in Sweden; Oslo in Norway and the Finnish capital Helsinki.

”Of course, with the introduction Copenhagen, we are offering passengers even more choice and convenience flying our award-winning Five Star service and making many of our key destinations easier accesible to the Scandinavian travelling public.”

Qatar Airways’ renowned service has received numerous international accolades for its high standards and great hospitality. The independent aviation industry audit Skytrax has named Qatar Airways as Best Airline in the Middle East for the fourth year running and Best Cabin Crew in the Middle East for the seventh consecutive year.

Passengers flying First Class or Business Class through Doha onto connecting cities with Qatar Airways will be able to transit through the airline’s exclusive Premium Teminal, where they can unwind and relax enjoying creature comforts of the facilites, including fine dining, spa treatments and duty free shopping.

Copenhagen is one of Qatar Airways’ seven new routes for 2010
In February, the airline launched daily flights to India’s IT capital city Bengaluru, formerly known as Bangalore. Ankara comes online on April 5; Tokyo services begin on April 26, complementing the airline’s existing flights to the Japanese city of Osaka; and the Mediterranean port city of Barcelona will be added on June 7.

A highlight for Qatar Airways will be the expansion into South America this summer – completing the airline’s global jigsaw through the addition of another continent to its international route map.

Beginning June 24, Qatar Airways will serve the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo and the Argentine capital Buenos Aires with daily scheduled flights direct from Doha.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 81 aircraft to 86 diverse cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, South Asia and North America.