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National Flag Carrier, Qatar Airways has added a new destination
to its rapidly expanding route network with the inaugural of its
non-stop service to Tripoli.
On board the Airbus A300-600 was a delegation of senior Qatar Airways’
staff, led by General Manager Commercial Mohamed Saleh Fakhri; and
Regional Manager Qatar and Africa, Fathi Al Shehab.
Commenting on the occasion of the inaugural flight, Mohamed Fakhri
said, "We are very much pleased to be able to offer this direct
flight to Tripoli.
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The
Libyan market is ready for a regular non-stop service between Doha
and Tripoli."
"With tourism to Libya picking up and increasing trade relations
between Libya and its Arab partners in the Gulf, this route will
be providing a convenient connection between the Gulf States and
the Mediterranean port of Tripoli. It will also make the Gulf States
easily accessible to travellers from Libya coming through Doha International
Airport," pointed out Mohamed Fakhri.
The thrice-weekly flights to Tripoli will continue on to Casablanca,
Morocco’s commercial and tourism capital, offering a direct service
between Doha and the two major North African cities.
Tripoli is Qatar Airways fourth destination on the African continent,
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and the
45th destination on the award-winning airline’s international route
network.
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South
African Airways bags ‘Top Airline to Africa’ award
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South
African Airways has bagged yet another award, the sixth since
January, confirming the airline as number one in Africa. Competitors
were left empty handed after the British travel industry voted
the airline as the `Top Airline to Africa’.
Since January, SAA has won the following awards: Best African
Airline, Best Domestic Airline, Best International Airline
flying to South Africa (ASATA Diners Club), Best Airline in
Africa, Best Cabin Crew in Africa (SKYTRAX), Best Airline
based in Africa by the Official Airline Guide (OAG) and now,
voted by Travel Bulletin, a weekly magazine, as the Top Airline
in Africa.
As part of the Travel Stars 2003 awards, the travel trade
magazine invited 30,000 agents to put their mark of approval
on only the best. And at a glittering ceremony at London’s
Millennium Hotel, it was revealed that British travelers have
voted for SAA as the Top Airline To Africa.
Andre Viljoen, SAA President and CEO, said, "This award
is encouraging to efforts at SAA towards redefining the travel
experience, setting new benchmarks for the industry to emulate,
and continuing our traditions of excellence in service - in-flight
as well as on the ground." "SAA offers good all
round service and state-of-the-art aircraft including the
best available on-board facilities for maximum comfort,"
added Viljoen.
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Emirates
to fly first direct air link
between West Africa and the Gulf
New
route targets the two capitals, Lagos & Ghana |
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Emirates,
the UAE’s award-winning international airline, plans to open
six new destinations in 2004 including gateways in the US,
Scotland, central Europe, China and West Africa in a network
expansion spread across four continents. On January 2, the
airline’s operations in Africa leap forward with flights to
Lagos and Accra. The other destinations are Shanghai in China;
Vienna in Europe and New York, US.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of
Emirates, said, "In 2004, Emirates will
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fly
further ever before to reach our goal of a truly global airline.
We will open destinations where we know there is demand with
services that meet passengers requirements using the very
latest technology."
The new route to West Africa by Emirates to the Nigerian capital,
Lagos and capital of neighbouring Ghana, Accra, provide the
first direct air link between West Africa and the Gulf, boosting
trade between the two regions. This new service opens up West
African markets and provides West Africans with their first
direct link to Dubai and points eastwards. Emirates has steadily
expanded its operations in North and East Africa since flights
to Cairo began in 1986.
The flights will be operational four times weekly from January
2 non-stop to Lagos and continuing to Accra. Flights will
be operated with an A330-200 in three-class configuration.
Emirates has full traffic rights between the two capitals.
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