Frequency across Saudi Arabia rises to 112 services per week including an all-Premium Class Airbus A319 to Jeddah and Riyadh.
DOHA, QATAR – Qatar Airways has announced increased frequencies to its gateways in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the largest Arab country of the Middle East, starting this month. With the additional flights starting December 2015, the total number of services to Abha, Gassim, Hofuf, Taif, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah will increase to 112 flights each week allowing easy access to a network of 153 destinations worldwide via Doha.
Jeddah and Riyadh, which are currently served with a double daily service, will increase to 21 flights per week adding a third daily flight operated by the All-First Class A319 starting December 16th and 18th respectively. On December 1st, Madinah saw an increase in frequency from daily to double daily and Abha from four flights a week to daily flights.
Saudi Arabia’s continued economic diversification, growth of the private sector and increasing popularity as a destination for the Middle East MICE industry has resulted in increased demand for business travel within the region. This evolution into a commercial hub is reflected in the airline’s decision to fly the A319 All-First Class aircraft to both Jeddah and Riyadh, allowing for premium comfort and privacy when travelling.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “We are pleased to announce our increased service to the cities of Saudi Arabia today. The commercial growth and investment seen there over the past few years will undoubtedly precede an increase in demand for travel to and from these cities. It is always our prerogative at Qatar Airways to be ahead of the curve and to go beyond the expected. These additional services do just that whilst further strengthening Qatar Airways’ commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the existing commercial links between our eight stations and the rest of the world via our 153 Qatar Airways destinations. We look forward to welcoming even more passengers on board our award-winning aircraft and connecting them more frequently to the ancient and advancing cities of Saudi Arabia.”
The Airbus A319 aircraft, which will serve the route, is fitted with an All-First Class, single aisle, 2-2 seating configuration with 40 seats, and will enable passengers to experience the total comfort of a private jet complemented by Qatar Airways’ award-winning five-star hospitality.
Qatar Airways’ A319 First Class seats, which recline into fully-flat beds, have one of the highest specifications for premium travel of any airline. In addition, the in-flight entertainment system, Oryx One, provides up to 2,000 choices of movies, music and games, which can be enjoyed on the latest-generation systems and noise-cancelling headphones.
Combined with the best in on-board service, Qatar Airways’ passengers on the A319 All-First Class flight will also have an end-to-end premium experience with the stylish and sophisticated lounge at Doha’s state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport.
Qatar Airways’ home, Hamad International Airport (HIA), houses one of the world’s largest and most luxurious Business Class lounges – the Al Mourjan Business Lounge – and also has over 40,000 square metres of retail space and restaurants that includes a selection of more than 70 retail and 30 food and beverage outlets.
Thanks to HIA’s modern design, passengers can take advantage of convenient, quick and seamless onward connections to 153 key business and leisure destinations across Qatar Airways’ ever-expanding global network, including those in Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Africa. The airline has also recently announced two new destinations in Australia, Sydney and Adelaide, commencing in March and May 2016 respectively, to complement its existing Perth and Melbourne services.
The national airline of the State of Qatar was named the world’s best carrier at the 2015 Skytrax Awards, marking the third time in the last five years that the airline has won this coveted accolade. The airline also recently won Best Business Class Airline Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East.
Photo caption: Qatar Airways A319 All-First Class aircraft.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
