Qatar
Airways has launched scheduled flights to Serbia, its latest entry
into Eastern Europe and the airline’s 11th new route of the year.
The
Doha-based carrier inaugurated the first of three weekly services to
the country’s capital city of Belgrade, gateway to Serbia’s
historic and cultural attractions.
The
airline’s newest route also marks an expansion of its global
network, now reaching 121 destinationsas part of Qatar Airways’
ongoing commitment to serving emerging and popular markets, both in
Europe and further afield.
Qatar
Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker was joined on the
inaugural flight by His Excellency Mihailo Brkic, Ambassador of the
Embassy of the Republic of Serbia to Kuwait and responsible for
Qatar, together with international media.
Flight
QR462 touched down in Belgrade and was received by an airport arrival
ceremony, where guests were treated to a traditional Serbian folklore
dance performance.
The
ceremony was attended by more than 50 local dignitaries, VIPs and
media, including Qatar’s Ambassador to Romania His Excellency Saad
Mohamed Al-Kobaisi; Serbian State Secretary for Tourism, Mr. Goran
Petković; and Chief Executive Officer of Airport Nikola Tesla Mr.
Velimir Radosavljević.
Al
Baker said that the latest route marked yet another significant
milestone for the award-winning airline that has now spread its
international wings to 31 gateways across Europe and 11
new destinations so far this year.
“I
sincerely thank the Serbian Government and the local airport
authorities for warmly welcoming Qatar Airways to Serbia and we look
forward to welcoming all of our new passengers from Belgrade onboard
to experience our world renowned 5-star service,” added Al Baker.
Qatar
Airways is flying its Airbus A320 on the Belgrade route, featuring
144 seats in a two-class configuration of 12Business Class seats and
132 in Economy. The aircraft offers seatback TV screens providing
passengers with the next generation interactive onboard entertainment
system with a choice of more than 800 audio and video on
demandoptions, together with an SMS text messaging service from each
seat.