Date:22/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/22/stories/2006122204461500.htm

National

Qatar Airways to fly to Chennai, Ahmedabad

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Qatar Airways on Thursday announced an expansion of its services, saying it would add Chennai and Ahmedabad from March-April 2007 to the five Indian cities from where it already operates.

At a press conference here, Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said frequencies on some existing routes would also be increased. "From our existing 30 frequencies a week, we are now operating 42 frequencies till January 31. This will go up to 49 from next summer." He also announced plans to introduce a passenger service to Nagpur and a bi-weekly freighter service from the middle of 2007. The announcements came a day after India and Qatar reviewed and expanded their bilateral air services agreement.

Mr. Al Baker said the entitlements of his airline had been more than doubled from 5,300 seats to 10,800 seats, reflecting the growing demand for air travel out of India. During the temporary open sky policy offered by India between December 15, 2005, and January 31, 2006, Qatar Airways would operate 42 flights each week, he said.