Qatar Airways establishes South America routes

Qatar Airways has launched daily flights to Brazil and Argentina, marking its first foray into South America.Brazil’s largest city Sao Paulo and the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires have joined the airline’s growing list of destinations, taking the Doha-based carrier’s global network up to 92 points served worldwide.The two new routes complete a five-month expansion programme so far this year which has seen the airline introduce flights to Bengaluru (Bangalore), Copenhagen, Ankara, Tokyo and Barcelona.Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker led a high profile delegation of dignitaries and international media from Asia and the Gulf region on the inaugural flight from Doha to Sao Paulo and onwards to Buenos Aires.Al Baker said it was an historic occasion for Qatar Airways that would further boost economic ties between Qatar and both Brazil and Argentina. “Just 13 years ago, Qatar Airways embarked on an ambitious plan by launching an airline that would spread its wings far and wide and offer the highest levels of service and hospitality,” he said, speaking at arrival receptions at both airports.During a four-month period commencing in October 2010, Qatar Airways plans to expand its international route network further with six new routes, operating scheduled flights from Doha to Phuket, Hanoi, Nice, Brussels, Bucharest And Budapest.Qatar Airways operates the Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft in a two-class configuration of 259 seats - 42 in Economy and 216 in Business Class - to Brazil and Argentina, offering arguably the most spacious aircraft of any airline flying between the Middle East and South America.By 2013, Qatar Airways plans to serve 120 key business and leisure destinations worldwide with a modern fleet of 120 aircraft. Today, the airline’s fleet stands at 84 aircraft, flying to destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and North and South America.