Qatar Airways Nice-Doha Route Takes Off

The route will run three times a week and will fly to Doha via Milan, Italy. Passengers looking to take advantage of the exceptional Qatar Airways service can book flights to destinations worldwide via the Qatari capital.

Qatar Airways has undergone a phenomenal expansion period despite the highly competitive environment in which it operates, with an average of 35% growth year-on-year for the past 10 years. Along the way, the airline has garnered many awards and accolades, becoming one of only six airlines worldwide to have been awarded a 5-star rating by Skytrax, an independent aviation industry monitor. They intend to continue their global expansion until they become recognised as the best airline company in the world.

Qatar Airways’ home hub is Doha International Airport, which is currently undergoing expansion to become one of the most sophisticated airports in the world. It will be able to cope with Qatar Airways’ passenger increase and will also be able to house up to six Airbus A380-800s, five of which are currently on order by the Qatari carrier.
The Qatari national airline is keen to strengthen its grip on the European market, having made ground on leading European airlines. “They’re afraid of competition and losing their market share because they have been dominant for too long – now they find that there is competition and they find that they have to shape up” Mr. Al-Baker remarked.

Nice is now the second airport to welcome Qatar Airways in France after Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, which has been the airline’s French base for ten years.
    
The carrier has been looking to expand its operations into the region for over six years. Mr Al-Baker was keen to point out that the delay was due to French traffic rights restrictions which prevented them from expanding their routes to any airport other than Paris.

Although the 5-star airline is adamant to ensure that it retains its reputation for world-class service, the CEO made it clear that a good mix of both Business and Leisure travellers is vital to ensure the success of a route.

The company is clearly keen on improving its Côte d’Azur-based operations as soon as possible once they have settled into their new location here, aiming to increase provide daily flights that will travel directly to and from the Middle East.

In addition to Nice, Venice has been suggested as a potential destination for the organisation’s European expansion plans, helping them to achieve their 2011 aim to increase the total passengers carried to 16.5 million from 14.5 million transported in 2010.

CJ