The Hindu Business Line : Qatar Airways sees no slowdown threat

At a time when domestic airlines are mulling cutting down long-haul flights, Qatar Airways has sprung a surprise by announcing one-stop flights to New York from nine Indian destinations.

“We are not at all affected by the slowdown. Unlike the Indian or US airlines, we are not dependent on any one particular country or region. Being in the Gulf, we have good geographical advantage and get passengers from all over,” said Mr Naveen Chawla, Regional Manager (India).

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, to announce the launch of the daily service to the JFK International airport via Doha, beginning October 26, he said that the airline did not foresee any slowdown and that it had not changed the fleet acquisition plans.

“We are confident that we will continue to grow at the 35 per cent growth rate overall and 40 per cent in India. We are going to connect Houston with Qatar from March 30, 2009,” he said.

The airline operates 58 flights a week to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, Kozhikode and Nagpur. Stating that India comprised 12 per cent of Qatar Airways’ network, he said the Indian routes recorded occupancy rates of 75 per cent.

More Stories on : Airlines

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Qatar Airways sees no slowdown threat

Air Arabia service to Hyderabad

Slowdown hits domestic biz at new Hyderabad airport

Aviation formula gone sour

Tuticorin port shortlists 5 cos for second box terminal

Lakshadweep bound ship makes maiden berthing at new Minicoy jetty

‘10 dredgers will work in Hooghly by Dec’

Japanese electric loco firms may benefit from $4.6 b loan