Qatar Airways spreads its wings (hktdc.com)


	Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Bakar is upbeat about the Doha Hong Kong destination as more Middle Easterners are flocking to the Far East for tourism

Qatar Airways launched its new luxury service flight from Doha to Hong Kong as the Middle Eastern carrier looks to establish itself as one of the region's elite airlines.

The airline's Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Bakar believes that luxury treatment is the key to attract long-haul passengers to and from Hong Kong despite fierce competition in the Asia-Pacific market.

"In today's age of travel, customers are becoming more experienced and more demanding looking for more choice and the highest levels of service," said Mr Al Bakar.

He said as an international finance and business hub, Hong Kong was a destination not lacking passengers ready to pay hefty fares for their comfort aboard.

Mr Al Bakar sees huge potential in the Asia-Pacific market as Middle Eastern travellers flock to the Far East. "More and more people are heading to the Far East for shopping and tourism so we expect the growth to be the largest to the Far East."

Hong Kong has seen a surge of nearly 33 per cent year on year arrivals from the Middle East. At nearly, 121,000 visitors, the city has clearly benefited from this trend.

Qatar Airways which is 50 per cent owned by the Qatari government has aggressively entered the Hong Kong market with a daily service. It will join more than 80 airlines at the Hong Kong International Airport flying to over 140 destinations worldwide.