Qatar Airways launches Ankara services

Qatar Airways has launched services to Turkish capital Ankara.The airline now operates flight QR462 four times weekly from its hub in Doha to Esenboga International Airport.The carrier already flies daily to Istanbul.Qatar Airways is the only Gulf carrier flying to Ankara, operating an Airbus A320 with 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy.Ankara becomes the airline’s 88th destination and third new route of 2010. Over the past few weeks, the airline launched scheduled flights from Doha to both Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Copenhagen.Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “We are delighted to add Ankara to our international route network and further consolidate our presence in Turkey, clearly proving how important this dynamic market is for Qatar Airways. “Since we entered Turkey in 2004 with flights to Istanbul, the route’s performance has exceeded our expectations year on year. “We are confident that our new service to Ankara will be equally as successful helping facilitate travel to and from this wonderful city and beyond for both the business travel community and leisure travellers.”The new route comes at a time of strong trade between Qatar and Turkey, whose relations have grown from strength to strength and which go beyond political and economic ties.With a population of 72 million with an average age of 28.5 years, the Republic of Turkey is the 15th largest and one of the most vibrant economies in the world. Al Baker added: “Commercial ties between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey remain strong and continue to grow year on year. The two countries very much share the same cultural values and have a like-minded vision, with deep rooted relations, increased bilateral ties and growing commercial exchanges.”