Qatar Airways launched its first direct flight to St. Petersburg on December 19, the carrier’s press service reported.
"The arrival of our first flight to Pulkovo International Airport is a significant milestone for Qatar Airways. This debut flight not only opens up a new one international destination in our route network. It represents our hopes for the further development of the airline in Russia, for the continuation of cooperation and partnership between our countries, which will grow and develop in the future. We are the national airline of Qatar. We proudly carry the flag of our country wherever we fly. The opening of this destination will help strengthen our presence in Russia. This goal will also be served by our company's sponsorship of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as well as the announcement of 2018 as the year of cooperation between Russia and Qatar in the field of culture,” says Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker.
According to Vladimir Yakushev, CEO of the Northern Capital Gateway, the company that manages Pulkovo Airport, the launch of Qatar Airways flights to St. Petersburg is a historic step for Pulkovo Airport and the tourism industry of St. Petersburg.
"Thanks to the new daily flights to Doha, the northern capital of Russia has received excellent transport links with one of the most modern and dynamically developing cities in the world - Doha, and through it - with 150 cities in Asia, Oceania, Africa and America, to which Qatar Airways operates flights. We are confident that the new route will be in great demand among residents of St. Petersburg and the North-West of Russia, as well as foreign citizens who fly to Russia as business travelers or on holiday," he added.
The opening of daily flights to the cultural capital will increase the number of flights to Russia to 28 per week. Qatar Airways has been flying to Moscow since 2003. This year, due to growing passenger demand, the airline increased the number of flights from 2 to 3 per day.
The relaxation of visa requirements for Russian citizens entering Qatar, which was also announced this year, has contributed to an increase in the number of passengers planning to travel to one of the more than 150 destinations on the Qatar Airways route network.
Qatar Airways will operate daily passenger flights using an Airbus A320. The aircraft has a 132-seat configuration, including 12 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy Class. On board the aircraft, passengers will be able to enjoy the aircraft’s signature in-flight entertainment system, offering a variety of ways to enjoy their time during the flight.
In 2017, Qatar Airways launched a number of new routes, including to Auckland (New Zealand), Dublin (Ireland), Nice (France) and Prague (Czech Republic). In 2018, the airline will continue its rapid expansion, offering passengers new destinations such as Canberra (Australia), Cardiff (United Kingdom) and Penang (Malaysia).
Source: trn-news.ru
