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Thanks to Qatar Airways, your air travel plans may crystalise sooner than you think. Here’s what we know about the world’s number one airlines’ expansion plans. By Amitha Ameen
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Qatar Airways on Thursday announced that the airline will be adopting a systematic approach in rebuilding and expanding its network. Qatar Airways has been one of the few carriers to continue its global operations in recent months, since COVID-19. It is this unique position that has given the gulf carrier an exclusive perspective on passenger travel trends, which has enabled the airlines to take a bold step forward.
The carrier is currently flying to a little over 30 destinations and hopes to increase overall operations to 80 destinations in total, by the end of June. In its initial plans, the airline hopes to reinstate suspended routes and add routes between Doha and international destinations of partner airlines in cities like London, Hong Kong, and Chicago as well as focus on business and leisure destinations like Mumbai in India.
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Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker said: “Throughout this crisis, our passengers have been at the centre of our focus. Our airline has implemented industry-leading hygiene practices and commercial policies enabling our passengers to book and travel with confidence.”
The airline features the most advanced onboard air-purifying systems and takes necessary steps to rigorously sanitize on-board items like linen, headsets, and blankets. Cutlery and other utensils are thoroughly washed in a systematic and hygienic manner and handled by staff wearing hygienic disposable gloves.
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While entry restrictions are constantly evolving, the carrier expects short-haul travel to bounce back quickly. This will be followed by business routes and then “there will be a move towards visiting family and friends following months of lockdowns.”
Since the Coronavirus pandemic took the world by storm, Qatar Airways has transported over one million passengers home. Additionally, the carrier has been a reliable partner in carrying over 70,000 tonnes of medical and relief supplies for the fight against the virus.
Related: On Our Maiden Solo Trip To Qatar We Discovered The City’s Many Hidden Gems