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Qatar Airways Celebrates First Anniversary at Cardiff Airport

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Qatar Airways, the multiple-award-winning airline, is celebrating its first anniversary connecting business and leisure customers from Cardiff Airport with destinations around the world.

Over the past year, the airline’s regular service to Doha has been part of the seven per cent jump in overall passenger numbers from Cardiff. Some of the most popular network destinations include Qatar, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.

In celebration of its first anniversary, the Qatar Airways staff surprised lucky passengers with birthday cupcakes.

Qatar AnniversaryFrom 30th May, Qatar Airways will operate daily flights between Cardiff and Doha for the summer season, allowing passengers to travel to far-flung destinations including Australia and New Zealand in under 24 hours. Cardiff passengers will also benefit from Qatar Airways’ new economy class-onboard ‘Quisine’ branded menu, which will offer customers a greater focus on the use of local, fresh and healthy ingredients and larger portion sizes.

Gary Kershaw, Country Manager (UK & Ireland) at Qatar Airways, said:

“We’re proud to be in Wales and are excited at the strong start to our partnership with Cardiff Airport. It’s a hugely exciting time for Qatar Airways. The demand from our UK destinations has never been stronger. That’s why this summer we’re providing our highest ever number of connections between the UK and the rest of the world.

“We want to thank Cardiff Airport and the Welsh Government for their continued support, as we look to offer new and exciting routes and destinations to customers across Wales and the South West.”

Deb Barber, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said:

“It’s hard to believe that we have reached this remarkable one year milestone already.

“The introduction of a regular service between Cardiff and Doha has opened up a world of connectivity for customers across Wales and the South West of England. Direct flights to Qatar Airways’ hub in Doha creates onward connections to destinations across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and many more, all without the hassle of having to drive down the M4 to fly from London airports. This service has also re-affirmed Cardiff Airport as a key gateway to the United Kingdom, ideal for visitors, international students, business travellers and ex-pats alike.”

Roger Lewis, Chairman of Cardiff Airport, said:

“The inaugural flight in May 2018 was a pivotal moment for Cardiff Airport, for Wales and the South West of England. The far reaching consequences of this service for our customers and businesses have proven to be transformational so far.

“I sincerely thank His Excellency, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, for the trust he and Qatar Airways have placed in us. I am proud of the team at Cardiff Airport who continue to deliver a world-class service with Qatar Airways for all of our passengers both visiting Wales and those travelling across the world.”

Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates said:

“Since being purchased in 2013, Cardiff Airport has gone from strength to strength and has achieved a 60% increase in passenger numbers. The number of destinations has increased significantly, and the launch of a scheduled daily long-haul Qatar Airways service puts Wales more firmly on the world stage, in terms of attracting both business trade and travellers. Customers continue to demonstrate increasing confidence in the airport and its services.”

Qatar Airways offers daily services to Doha from Cardiff. To book flights on Qatar Airways from Cardiff Airport visit: www.qatarairways.com, return flights start from £436.

Business News Wales