By James Wilkinson

Qatar Airways has become the latest Middle Eastern airline to add Australian cities to its route network, with the Doha-based carrier to commence flights to Melbourne and Sydney later this year.

Fly above the clouds on Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker made the long-awaited announcement of the Australian flights on the opening day of ITB Berlin.

“Qatar Airways’ robust expansion is continuing undeterred by the current economic climate,” he said.

“Sydney and Melbourne have been on our radar screen for many years. We can finally look forward to entering the Australian market with vigour as we will have the aircraft to serve this highly popular market non-stop from Doha.”

The non-stop flights will be operated by long-range Boeing 777-200LR aircraft featuring new full-flat business class seats.

“Qatar Airways continually identifies new opportunities around the world to better serve the travelling public and is able to easily shift capacity according to market conditions,” Al Baker said.

“As a network hub airline, Qatar Airways does not rely on traffic from any specific markets, so we are largely immune from the circumstances surrounding the current global economic meltdown.

“Qatar Airways is well poised to face the challenges ahead. We have a long-term vision demonstrated by today’s announcement to build on our highly successful young operation – a remarkable feat for an airline which launched just 12 years ago,” he said.