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avbuff Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031
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Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 8:59 pm Post subject: Qatar Airways to add 2 new destinations in India |
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http://www.deccanherald.com/content/133900/qatar-airways-planning-destinations-india.html
Qatar Airways is planning to expand its network to India by reaching out to new destinations in the country in a bid to boost its share in the lucrative aviation market.
"We are planning to operate in two new destinations in India. India is a great country and has strong cultural, political and economic relation with my country," Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker told PTI here.
Already covering 11 cities in India, the airline is mulling on spreading its wings further. Not specifying which all countries are in the pipeline, Baker said, "Its important for Qatar to look at India. We have many plans in India, which I will not disclose as I love giving surprises."
With no immediate plans to expand the capacity of the aircrafts used by the airlines in India, he said, "As of now we are not planning to increase the capacity of the aircrafts. We haven't yet maximised the capacity."
Qatar Airways currently spreads across 11 Indian cities – in addition to Bengaluru, daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Ahmedabad and Goa, with four services-a-week to Amritsar.
He said there are many air traffic rights under the bilateral air service agreement between India and Qatar, which the airline hasn't utilised. "We expand in a planned way. We will not dump any rights or the capacity just for the sake of it. We still have room to expand," he said.
Speaking about the under construction airport...New Doha International Airport, he said, "It is the most efficient and most user friendly airport. The airport will be complete by 2012."
The national airline for the state of Qatar spans its network to six continents, with a fleet of 94 aircrafts. Addressing a press conference here, a day after the launch of the inaugural flight from Doha to Brussels, Baker said, "Till 2020, almost two-thirds of our fleet will be replaced by A 350s."
About the order of A380s by the airline, Baker said, "We have high load factors. We were supposed to receive the orders of A380s by 2009. We have, however delayed it because of the NDIA work going on."
The Brussels Doha route launch established Qatar Airways' 98th international destination and marked the Gulf carrier's third new Europena route. It has been operating flights to both Bucharest and Budapest from its Doha hub in January.
Meanwhile, spreading its wings further into Europe, Qatar Airways has begun its inaugural service to Brussels, with the Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme terming the launch as a step towards increasing the cultural closeness of Qatar and his country.
The inaugural flight, QR941, which arrived at Brussels International Airport from Doha, has strengthened the Airways' network in Europe, taking the total number of destinations covered by the airlines to 24. Brussels is now the carrier's 98th network point.
"This launch has opened up the economic opportunities for both Qatar and Belgium. This will strengthen the bilateral relations between the countries and increase the cultural closesness of its people," Leterme said.
Brussels became the third European destination launched by the airline this month following Hungarian capital Budapest and Romania's capital city Bucharest.
CEO Qatar Airways Al Baker said, "The new direct airline represents a historic moment for the two countries. We have now established our presence in Brussels, which is the gateway to the rest of Europe."
The Brussels Doha route is served with an Airbus A330, with up to 30 Business Class seats and 275 Economy class seats. Among others present at the ceremony and the inaugural flight were the Belgium's Ambassador to Qatar H E Luc Devolder and other Ministers from the country.
Qatar Airways had on January 16 announced capacity increase to an array of destinations across its global network, to be phased in from March. |
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iah87 Member
Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 2567
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Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 10:02 pm Post subject: |
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Do they have permission already to fly to the 2 new cities, if one of them is not CCU. |
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avbuff Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031
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Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 10:12 pm Post subject: |
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While I believe it is going to be IXE and CCU am still hoping and praying against all odds that they somehow start Pune |
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The_Goat Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 3260 Location: South of France
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Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 10:27 pm Post subject: |
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I strongly feel PNQ will be one of those new destinations. DOH-PNQ A320 service _________________ I don't know which is the more pampered bunch : AI's widebodies (the aunties) or Jet's widebodies (the planes).
-Jasepl |
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Jeh Member
Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Posts: 669 Location: Delhi, India
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Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 10:54 pm Post subject: |
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avbuff wrote: | While I believe it is going to be IXE and CCU am still hoping and praying against all odds that they somehow start Pune |
Just academic interest, or are you a Punekar? |
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avbuff Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031
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Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 11:20 pm Post subject: |
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Jeh wrote: | avbuff wrote: | While I believe it is going to be IXE and CCU am still hoping and praying against all odds that they somehow start Pune |
Just academic interest, or are you a Punekar? |
I'm a punekar and also a Qatari since I was born and brought up over there. Those horrifying days of going to BOM to catch a flight, go down the ghats ... even with the express highway there are too many uncertain moments. |
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Jaysit Member
Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 4346
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 1:11 am Post subject: |
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avbuff wrote: | Jeh wrote: | avbuff wrote: | While I believe it is going to be IXE and CCU am still hoping and praying against all odds that they somehow start Pune |
Just academic interest, or are you a Punekar? |
I'm a punekar and also a Qatari since I was born and brought up over there. Those horrifying days of going to BOM to catch a flight, go down the ghats ... even with the express highway there are too many uncertain moments. |
I'm amazed that airlines don't put ATRs or CRJs on the Pune-Mumbai sector that fly as a quick shuttle service on the hour. One would think that with so much commercial and cultural overlap between Pune and Mumbai, the airlines would have created a quick airbridge. |
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PNQIAD Member
Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Posts: 112
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 7:53 am Post subject: |
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When I read the news item - I hoped the same as Ojas - being a Punekar Although - IIRC - QR does not have PNQ rights per the bilaterals - correct? |
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me111993 Member
Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 3225 Location: MAA/AMD
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 8:34 am Post subject: |
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Jaysit wrote: | avbuff wrote: | Jeh wrote: | avbuff wrote: | While I believe it is going to be IXE and CCU am still hoping and praying against all odds that they somehow start Pune |
Just academic interest, or are you a Punekar? |
I'm a punekar and also a Qatari since I was born and brought up over there. Those horrifying days of going to BOM to catch a flight, go down the ghats ... even with the express highway there are too many uncertain moments. |
I'm amazed that airlines don't put ATRs or CRJs on the Pune-Mumbai sector that fly as a quick shuttle service on the hour. One would think that with so much commercial and cultural overlap between Pune and Mumbai, the airlines would have created a quick airbridge. |
The problem is that the concept of shuttle services hasn't really developed here, going by the traditional way of checking in an hour before the flight, 30 minute long flight, trancends to about 2 hours or something, trains are a little more comfy, more convenient and do the same kob in 3 hours.. _________________ Causal Determinism : We are hardwired to need answers. The Caveman who heard a rustle in the bushes and checked out to see what it was, lived longer than the guy, who assumed it was just a breeze.
- Greg House |
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ameya Member
Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 3671 Location: Pune,Maharashtra
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 12:46 pm Post subject: |
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If people would have PUNE slots.. they would use it to connect to other destinations than BOM !
The problem above anything else is Slots in Pune !
a level 3 airport would give you slots but not PNQ ! |
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abhijith16 Member
Joined: 14 Sep 2010 Posts: 1575 Location: DOH/IXE/MEL
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 6:52 pm Post subject: |
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avbuff wrote: | Jeh wrote: | avbuff wrote: | While I believe it is going to be IXE and CCU am still hoping and praying against all odds that they somehow start Pune |
Just academic interest, or are you a Punekar? |
I'm a punekar and also a Qatari since I was born and brought up over there. Those horrifying days of going to BOM to catch a flight, go down the ghats ... even with the express highway there are too many uncertain moments. |
I'm Mangalorean and born in Doha too!!! Quite Similar
As for the new destinations, I WANT IXE but I'm praying for PNQ & CCU as well
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avbuff Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 6:54 pm Post subject: |
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There are just 2 destinations that are going to be announced, of which IXE is 99% sure. I'm anxious to know what the other would be, TRZ, PNQ and CCU are the front runners for that. |
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abhijith16 Member
Joined: 14 Sep 2010 Posts: 1575 Location: DOH/IXE/MEL
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 6:57 pm Post subject: |
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avbuff wrote: | There are just 2 destinations that are going to be announced, of which IXE is 99% sure. I'm anxious to know what the other would be, TRZ, PNQ and CCU are the front runners for that. |
How? |
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Spiderguy252 Member
Joined: 10 Aug 2007 Posts: 4259 Location: Indian Ocean
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 7:19 pm Post subject: |
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It will be great if QR can make CCU work, competing with EK. On the downside, LH may choose to exit if these two Gulf carriers vastly erode loads and yields westbound. _________________ Yeah. |
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ssbmat Member
Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 1710
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 10:51 pm Post subject: |
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Jaysit wrote: | avbuff wrote: | Jeh wrote: | avbuff wrote: | While I believe it is going to be IXE and CCU am still hoping and praying against all odds that they somehow start Pune |
Just academic interest, or are you a Punekar? |
I'm a punekar and also a Qatari since I was born and brought up over there. Those horrifying days of going to BOM to catch a flight, go down the ghats ... even with the express highway there are too many uncertain moments. |
I'm amazed that airlines don't put ATRs or CRJs on the Pune-Mumbai sector that fly as a quick shuttle service on the hour. One would think that with so much commercial and cultural overlap between Pune and Mumbai, the airlines would have created a quick airbridge. |
Its really amazing..as things stand today, PNQ has more flights to DEL and probably BLR than to BOM |
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iah87 Member
Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 2567
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 11:48 pm Post subject: |
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Spiderguy252 wrote: | It will be great if QR can make CCU work, competing with EK. On the downside, LH may choose to exit if these two Gulf carriers vastly erode loads and yields westbound. |
The onslaught of the Gulf carriers, combined with BA, caused LH to downsize HYD from daily to 3 times a week.
The same thing could happen to CCU, except that LH will withdraw from CCU rather than reduce services from 3 times a week. |
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avbuff Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 11:56 pm Post subject: |
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CCU will only work if they take that flight further to China. QR is going to announce 2 new destiantions in China as well. So if they schedule their flights something like, for example,
QR 850 DOH - CCU 0105 0855 Mo, We, Fr
--------- CCU - XMN 1000 1650
QR 851 XMN - CCU 2315 0100+1
-------- CCU - DOH 0215 0545
QR 852 DOH - CCU 0105 0855 Tu, Th, Sa, Su
---------CCU - CTU 1000 1510
QR 853 CTU - CCU 0010 0100
--------- CCU - DOH 0215 0545
Under such a scenario the connections will work perfectly everywhere. Otherwise PNQ stands a better chance than CCU. However TRZ, JAI should not be ruled out as well.
abhijith16 wrote: | avbuff wrote: | There are just 2 destinations that are going to be announced, of which IXE is 99% sure. I'm anxious to know what the other would be, TRZ, PNQ and CCU are the front runners for that. |
How? |
The article mentioned only 2 new destinations will be added, that is how I came to know. |
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PAL@YWG Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 438 Location: YWG, Canada
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Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2011 1:21 am Post subject: |
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avbuff wrote: | CCU will only work if they take that flight further to China. QR is going to announce 2 new destiantions in China as well. So if they schedule their flights something like, for example,
QR 850 DOH - CCU 0105 0855 Mo, We, Fr
--------- CCU - XMN 1000 1650
QR 851 XMN - CCU 2315 0100+1
-------- CCU - DOH 0215 0545
QR 852 DOH - CCU 0105 0855 Tu, Th, Sa, Su
---------CCU - CTU 1000 1510
QR 853 CTU - CCU 0010 0100
--------- CCU - DOH 0215 0545
Under such a scenario the connections will work perfectly everywhere. Otherwise PNQ stands a better chance than CCU. However TRZ, JAI should not be ruled out as well. |
Does current bilateral allow that? _________________ Tally Sheet:
41 Countries ||55 Aircraft types ||60 Airlines ||75 Airports |
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avbuff Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031
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Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 10:13 pm Post subject: |
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It allows QR to use CCU as an intermediate point, but I have no clue whether they will have 5th traffic rights. |
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G-BYGB Member
Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 1813 Location: Bangalore/Delhi
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Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2011 12:20 pm Post subject: |
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@ssbmat
It is mainly due to the distance between MUM and PNQ which is 140-160kms that can be covered within 4hrs.So people would prefer the option of taking road transport.That is why the no.of flights between MUM-PNQ are low.
Pretty much like travelling from BLR-MAA or BLR-HYD,where people find it convinient to travel by train or bus rather than spending two hrs to reach the airport and another 2 hrs to reach HYD at a lesser cost. _________________ www.flickr.com/G-BYGB photos |
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abhijith16 Member
Joined: 14 Sep 2010 Posts: 1575 Location: DOH/IXE/MEL
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Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2011 2:36 pm Post subject: |
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avbuff wrote: | CCU will only work if they take that flight further to China. QR is going to announce 2 new destiantions in China as well. So if they schedule their flights something like, for example,
QR 850 DOH - CCU 0105 0855 Mo, We, Fr
--------- CCU - XMN 1000 1650
QR 851 XMN - CCU 2315 0100+1
-------- CCU - DOH 0215 0545
QR 852 DOH - CCU 0105 0855 Tu, Th, Sa, Su
---------CCU - CTU 1000 1510
QR 853 CTU - CCU 0010 0100
--------- CCU - DOH 0215 0545
Under such a scenario the connections will work perfectly everywhere. Otherwise PNQ stands a better chance than CCU. However TRZ, JAI should not be ruled out as well.
abhijith16 wrote: | avbuff wrote: | There are just 2 destinations that are going to be announced, of which IXE is 99% sure. I'm anxious to know what the other would be, TRZ, PNQ and CCU are the front runners for that. |
How? |
The article mentioned only 2 new destinations will be added, that is how I came to know. |
IIRC, weren't you the one who told IXE is barred for foreign carriers? |
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avbuff Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031
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Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 3:49 am Post subject: |
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At the moment, yes, foreign carriers aren't allowed. However the diamond jubilee celebrations of Mangalore airport on 27th February will be the day when IXE will get it's international tag and a where a few international services will be announced. |
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avbuff Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031
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Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2011 9:59 am Post subject: |
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Looks like CCU and IXE would be the destinations. |
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The_Goat Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 3260 Location: South of France
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Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2011 12:34 pm Post subject: |
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G-BYGB wrote: | @ssbmat
Pretty much like travelling from BLR-MAA or BLR-HYD,where people find it convinient to travel by train or bus rather than spending two hrs to reach the airport and another 2 hrs to reach HYD at a lesser cost. |
BLR-HYD is a good 14 hours by train. Only the extremely price conscious sleeper class passengers would prefer it over flying. _________________ I don't know which is the more pampered bunch : AI's widebodies (the aunties) or Jet's widebodies (the planes).
-Jasepl |
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