BY JAMES WILKINSON
Qatar Airways has announced its second Australian destination, but again, Sydney has been shunned, this time in favour of Perth.
The West Australian capital is one of 11 new routes in 2012, alongside destinations in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
“We are continuing what we started back in 1997 when Qatar Airways was launched with new routes and new aircraft being introduced at an unprecedented rate to further strengthen what is truly a global network airline,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.
“Our mission has been to operate to key business and leisure destinations around the world, but also to underserved markets where others dare not venture into. We take bold decisions to serve certain markets because we believe it makes strong business sense.
“The announcement shows the confidence Qatar Airways has in such a diverse range of destinations. We look forward to offering even greater choice to the travelling public that they so deserve,” he said.
Qatar Airways’ announcement comes almost two years after the airline started operating flights from Doha to Melbourne and dates for the debut of Perth services will be announced in the coming months.