Qatar Airways expands SE Asia operations

Qatar Airways would boost frequencies and upgrade aircraft equipment deployed to South East Asia, in a major expansion drive of its operations in the sector.

While the Doha-based carrier's recent addition of four frequencies a week to its daily services from Kuala Lumpur to Doha takes the total to 11 flights a week, Bali has moved to a daily operation via Singapore, up from four weekly flights previously served through Kuala Lumpur, Qatar Airways said in a statement yesterday.

It added that the carrier's flights from Jakarta to Doha have been de-linked from Singapore and that the airline now operates a dedicated non-stop service between the Indonesian and Qatar.

Furthermore, Singapore, Bali and selected services from Kuala Lumpur have been upgraded to aircraft the airline's Boeing 777 fleet.

Speaking at the Singapore Air Show, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: "Qatar Airways recognises the growth potential in the Far East and we are confident of making further inroads into the market by growing these existing operations."

Qatar Airways' move to expand South East Asian operations comes shortly after the airline said it would add five new routes to its network in the first half of 2010.

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