Qatar Airways sets sights on Australia, further expansion
Claiming that some airlines are 'overreacting' to the current downturn with hasty reductions of their networks, Qatar Airways CE Akbar Al Baker confirmed that the carrier's winter expansion will include its first services to Australia. Al Baker said QR 'is a robust airline, with a clear strategy, prepared for any crisis that may happen.' It is taking delivery of 12 777s this year and will launch flights from Doha to both Sydney and Melbourne in November. The airline expects to transport around 12m passengers in the fiscal year ending March 31. It currently operates 68 aircraft. Al Baker said it will be flying to 120 destinations (from the current 83) with 110 aircraft by 2014, at which time it also may choose to join an alliance.