Capacity Rises Between Qatar And Korean Capitals Ahead Of Asian Games. Partnership Inked On Doha – Seoul Route Under New Agreement. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker Announces Launch Of Extra Flight
Seoul, KOREA – Qatar Airways and Korea-based Asiana Airlines have officially signed a strategic codeshare agreement on the Doha – Seoul route. The heads of both companies signed the pact during a ceremony in the Korean capital, Seoul, which was also attended by members of the media. Under the new agreement, Asiana Airlines applies its OZ code on Qatar Airways’ flights between Doha and Seoul.
At the signing ceremony held at Asiana’s headquarters, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker met his Asiana counterpart, President Joo-an Kang and expressed delight at the start of what he hoped would be a long and fruitful association.
Al Baker also announced plans by Qatar Airways to increase frequency this summer with a fourth weekly flight between Doha International Airport and Seoul’s Incheon International Airport to give business and leisure travellers additional choice. The extra flight, he said, will enable both Asiana and Qatar Airways’ passengers to connect onto a wide range of services operated by Qatar Airways to many destinations across the Middle East and Europe via Doha.
“It is indeed a great pleasure to add another new codeshare partner into our global network,” said Al Baker, adding that Asiana had established a strong reputation as a leading and quality international airline operating in one of the most competitive environments in North Asia.
“Both Qatar Airways and Asiana share a similar vision of extending strong service values to our passengers. Both airlines pride themselves on quality and this has been reflected through constant achievements, winning award after award.
“This codeshare with Asiana marks another special moment for Qatar Airways in this very historic year when my country plays host to the 15th Asian Games in Doha. Qatar Airways is the Official Airline of the Games, which take place over a two-week period at the end of 2006 and we look forward to welcoming athletes and spectators from across Korea to Qatar for what promises to be the best and biggest-ever Games to be staged.”
Asiana Airlines President Joo-an Kang added: “We are pleased to come together with our new partner, Qatar Airways, in this codeshare agreement. We look forward to many mutual benefits that are certain to result from this partnership and are confident that our passengers will be the real beneficiaries from the latest expansion of our global network.
“We will continue working to better serve each and every one of our passengers by carefully researching all other possible avenues for future cooperation activities into the Middle East with our new partner, Qatar Airways.”
The airline currently operates three flights a week between Doha and Seoul, via Shanghai, using a state-of-the-art Airbus A330 in a two-class configuration of Business and Economy.
Seoul is one of 12 Far East destinations served by Qatar Airways. The Doha – Seoul route is operated with the state-of-the-art Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, configured in two classes. Business Class features up to 24 seats reclining 160 degrees in a 2-2-2 configuration, while the Economy cabin has up to 259 seats in a 2-4-2 layout.
The A330s feature the airline’s award-winning Audio Video On Demand interactive entertainment system, allowing passengers in all classes to choose from more than 40 international movies, as well as short programmes to view on their individual TV screens. Passengers can also listen to an extensive list of 250 CDs and 16 audio channels. In addition, there is a choice of 12 video games to play through the interactive TV screens.
Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of 47 all-Airbus aircraft to 70 destinations from its hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar. Together with its codeshare partners, Qatar Airways serves more than 80 cities worldwide. The airline’s fleet will more than double in size over the next 10 years to 110 aircraft. Qatar Airways plans to acquire up to 80 aircraft in orders worth US$16billion over the next 10 years.
The airline’s Privilege Club loyalty programme already has a tie up with Asiana Airlines allowing Privilege Club members to earn and redeem Qmiles on flights operated by Asiana.
Qatar Airways is one of only four airlines in the world with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency. Skytrax has also increased Qatar Airways’ global ranking as sixth best airline in the world, and named the carrier’s cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the fourth year running in 2006 and second best in the world.
-ends-
About Qatar Airways:
During the 2004/2005 financial year, Qatar Airways carried 4.6 million passengers, up 35% on the previous 12-month period. Passenger numbers rose sharply in the 2005/2006 financial period to 6.3 million and are projected to increase to 8 million in the current financial year. Qatar Airways is a launch customer of the twin-deck Airbus A380 ‘super jumbos’ with four aircraft on order and scheduled for delivery from 2009 to coincide with the opening of the New Doha International Airport. For more information, visit www.ndiaproject.com For further information on Qatar Airways, visit the website at www.qatarairways.com and for details of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club, log onto www.qmiles.com
About Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines was founded in February 1988 as an affiliate of the Kumho Asiana Group, one of the leading conglomerates in the Republic of Korea which specialises in a diversity of sectors ranging from life insurance, investment banking, tyre manufacturing, transportation, petrochemical supplies, construction, resorts, amusement parks, car rental, and mecena activities. Asiana operates a fleet of 59 aircraft to 15 destinations across Korea and 70 cities worldwide. Asiana is also a member of the Star Alliance.
Notes to Editors:
Qatar Airways’ Doha – Seoul schedules. All flights operate via Shanghai:-
Depart Doha International Airport
Tuesdays QR1888 at 0030, arrive Seoul at 1850
Thursdays and Sundays QR888 at 0030, arrive Seoul at 1850
Depart Seoul Incheon International Airport
Tuesdays QR1889 at 2140, arrive Doha at 0435
Thursdays and Sundays QR889 at 2140, arrive Doha at 0435
