Qatar Airways first flight QR 0994 departed Hamad International Airport (HIA) and landed in Danang, Vietnam yesterday
Qatar Airways takes “great pride in its role” in being a trade enabler and connector for Vietnamese and international businesses and passengers, said Group Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker.
According to VNS, on board the inaugural Qatar Airways flight to Da Nang, al-Baker, was joined by the Vietnamese ambassador to Qatar Nguyen Dinh Thao.
Al-Baker said, “Qatar Airways is very pleased to extend its reach into Vietnam by launching our third gateway into this beautiful country. The addition of Danang to our global network further demonstrates our commitment to the Far East region, a highly important market for Qatar Airways. And we are excited for passengers traveling to and from central Vietnam to experience our award-winning service and product for themselves.
“With 56 weekly passenger flights to and from Vietnam, we take great pride in in our role in bringing passengers to and from this beautiful county and also being a trade enabler and connector for Vietnamese and international businesses.”
On the new route launch, ambassador Thao said, “This year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Qatar, and we are delighted to welcome Qatar Airways to Danang, its third Vietnamese destination.
Danang International Airport is the third busiest airport in Vietnam and is an important transportation hub in the central region. Being only two kilometers from the city centre, the launch of this direct flight will further boost Danang’s position as the commercial and educational centre of Central Vietnam. It is a fantastic follow-up to Qatar Airways’ introduction of daily services to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in January of this year, and we appreciate Qatar Airways’ strong support for
Vietnam.”
Qatar Airways will operate its Danang service four-times weekly with a Boeing B787-8 aircraft, featuring 22 seats in business class and 232 seats in economy.
Passengers will be able to enjoy the airline’s superior entertainment system- Oryx One, offering up to 4,000 entertainment options.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s second largest cargo carrier has a strong presence in Vietnam with six weekly freighter services to Hanoi, seven weekly freighter services to Ho Chi Minh City and 28 weekly belly-hold flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and now Danang.
Qatar Airways Cargo will offer more than 1,400 tonnes out of the country each week, where businesses in the country will benefit not only from direct cargo capacity to Middle East, Europe and Americas but also regular services and reduced transit times. Major exports from Danang will consist of garments, perishables and electronics.
Danang, one of the largest cities in Vietnam, is known for its sandy beaches and remarkable history as a French colonial port. The “charming city” offers magnificent views of Danang Bay and its beautiful Marble Mountains, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing summer vacation.
Qatar Airways began direct services to Ho Chi Minh City in 2007 and launched its Hanoi service in 2010. In October 2017, Qatar Airways announced its interline partnership with Vietnam-based Vietjet Air, allowing Qatar Airways passengers to travel to and from points in Vietnam not served directly by Qatar Airways using a single reservation across both airlines’ networks.
The launch of Danang marks the 14th new direct route to be introduced by Qatar Airways in 2018.