Dubai, 30 May 2022 (Leonardo)
Sheikha Mozah Bint Marwan Al Maktoum has become the first woman to pilot Leonardo’s AW609, the world’s first tiltrotor aimed at the civil market.
Test flight of rotary wing aircraft took place on May 10. Sheikha Mozah’s visited Leonardo’s helicopter headquarters in Philadelphia where she piloted the AW609 tiltrotor, setting a new and important milestone for female pilots in civil aviation.
The AW609 is one of the most significant technological innovations in the civil aviation landscape, melding the helicopter’s operational versatility (taking off and landing vertically) and the airplane’s performance advantages (pressurized cabin, speed, altitude and endurance abilities), opening new and exciting possibilities for passenger transport and public service.
The AW609 tiltrotor can take off and land vertically and hover like a helicopter, and fly offering passengers the comfort of a turboprop airplane.
Leonardo's aircraft is able to operate different kind of missions, including VIP transport, emergency medical service, search and rescue, and government applications.
AW609 can fly at a speed of more than 500 km/h with a range of almost 1,400 km, which can reach 2,000 with auxiliary tanks.
Sheikha Mozah said that This is not just a personal milestone but an opportunity to shatter another glass ceiling for women. I always push myself beyond my limits to prove that if I can do it, it is also within the reach of anyone else who is determined enough to try.
Mozah is also rated to fly the AS 135 and the Boeing 777.
Doha, 27 May 2022 (QR)
As part of the commitment to host the first ever FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in the Middle East and Arab world an all-inclusive gala event, Qatar Airways has tied up with flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air and Saudia to connect match ticket holders to Doha via Match Day Shuttle flights for 24-hour experiences, during the tournament period.
Football fans based in Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or UAE, will soon be able to book their Match Day Shuttle flights.
This service is designed with the purpose of connecting fans seamlessly to Qatar so they can attend their respective matches, capture the sights and sounds of the host country, before departing Doha on the same day.
Match Day Shuttle tickets will kick-off at extremely competitive prices along with rotating frequencies from Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Muscat and Riyadh. Fans are invited to visit qatarairways.com/MatchDayShuttle and the partner airlines’ websites to learn more and secure their flights.
Qatar Airways will also be adding more Match Day Shuttle flights across the GCC in the future, as well as flying in football fans from around the world on its extensive global network.
Passengers who book one of the Match Day Shuttle services will benefit from a smooth journey which includes dedicated on-ground transportation between the airport and stadium.
By choosing to book a Match Day Shuttle flight, fans will arrive in the morning and depart in the evening, with no hotel accommodation required. Additionally, a no check-in baggage policy will simplify an easy-in, easy-out travel itinerary for the passengers.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “Connecting fans and a shared love for football are at the heart of this game-changing partnership. We are immensely privileged to have the opportunity to unite fans from all walks of life to enjoy the beautiful game at its best, while introducing them to our hospitable culture and traditions.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ will be the first in the Middle East and Arab world, and we have always believed that a win for Qatar is a win for the region.”
Al Baker added: “The landscape of this tournament gives us the opportunity to spread the business with various regional airlines. Our combined bandwidth with flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air and Saudia will create travel flexibility that will bridge cultures and give fans the chance to explore multiple places in the Middle-East.”
Eng. Yasir Al Jamal, Director General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: “Right from the start, we have said Qatar 2022 is a FIFA World Cup for the entire region – and the announcement of the Match Day Shuttle service will make it even easier for many thousands of fans to be able to attend the first tournament in the Middle East and Arab world."
"Our digital Hayya (Fan ID) will enable a seamless fan journey for those visiting for the tournament, and with the amazing opportunity of attending more than one match in a day, we look forward to welcoming fans from across the region as they immerse themselves in the exciting football and enjoy our famous hospitality. Our sincere thanks to Qatar Airways and their partners for delivering this special project, which will help us host a memorable and outstanding edition of the FIFA World Cup,” he added.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “We are very pleased to be part of this game-changing partnership with Qatar Airways and the other partner GCC national carriers. This will allow us to welcome more football fans and visitors from all over the world to experience the warm hospitality and rich culture of our region. Having recently hosted a global event in Dubai, we know first-hand the positive impact such events have not only on the travel and hospitality sectors, but also on the wider economy and the overall morale. We are honoured to be able to play a part in supporting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™; enabling more people to share in the joy of the beautiful game via our 30 daily return Match Day Shuttle flights between Dubai and Doha.”
Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Dukhan, said: “We are proud to facilitate the transfer and travels of fans to and from Qatar for this monumental event. Not only does this agreement enhance the connectivity of our gulf nations, but also facilitates the social and economic growth emphasized by Kuwait’s government. We hope to share the excitement of the residents of Kuwait, the GCC, and the world throughout the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and beyond by playing our role in the aviation industry in connecting Kuwait to the world.”
Oman Air Chief Executive Officer, Abdulaziz Al Raisi, said: “We’re immensely proud to join our partners as we connect football fans to the sport they love and enhance their experience with convenient and seamless travel options tailored to busy schedules. Match Day Shuttle flights are a great way for fans to see more of the rich and vibrant cultures that abound in the region. As the football world comes together in Qatar, Oman Air is ready to welcome everyone on board to enjoy the signature warmth and hospitality Omanis are renowned for.”
Saudia Chief Executive Officer, Captain Ibrahim S. Koshy, said: “Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) is pleased to be offering flights from two main gateways, Riyadh and Jeddah, for fans to conveniently travel to attend the highly-anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Through the spirit of sport, we look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to visit the region and experience the signature Saudi hospitality onboard, in addition to exploring a unique culture and heritage.”
The Match Day Shuttle service along with its many perks, will make travelling to Doha a seamless experience. The flight frequency rotations will be as follows*:
| Carrier |
City |
Total flights per day |
Rotations |
| flydubai |
Dubai |
60 |
30 |
| Kuwait Airways |
Kuwait City |
20 |
10 |
| Oman Air |
Muscat |
48 |
24 |
| Saudia |
Riyadh and Jeddah |
40 |
20 |
The new partnership between the GCC national carriers was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier today during a press conference, which was held in Doha, Qatar. Akbar Al Baker, Eng. Yasir Al Jamal, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Eng. Maen Mahmoud Razouqi, Abdulaziz Al Raisi, and Captain Ibrahim S. Koshy were the main attendees at the event.
In September 2021, Qatar Airways launched unique travel packages, inclusive of match tickets, return flights and accommodation options. Fans can guarantee their match tickets to support their favourite team during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ by visiting qatarairways.com/FIFA2022.
The tournament will be held across eight world-class stadiums which are designed to inspire the various symbols of Qatari and Arab culture.
Al Bayt Stadium will host the opening game with a capacity of 60,000 seats, while Lusail Stadium is set to host the final match of the tournament, with a capacity of 80,000 seats. The remaining stadiums will house 40,000 spectators. These include: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Education City Stadium, Stadium 974 and Al Thumama Stadium.
Fans interested in attending the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ should visit qatar2022.qa for the very latest tickets, accommodation and Hayya Card information.
As FIFA’s Official Airline Partner since 2017, Qatar Airways has sponsored mega events including the 2019 and 2020 editions of the FIFA Club World Cup™, and the FIFA Arab Cup™, all of which were hosted in Qatar.
Doha, 27 May 2022
Grand Hypermarkets group opened recently it's 6th store in Mekaines area, Salwa Road, Qatar and 80th Worldwide.
Present on the occasion were Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidly, Assistant Under Secretary, Ministry of Labour; Shamsudheen Bin Mohideen, Chairman Grand Hypermarkets; Dr. Anvar Ameen Chelat, Managing Director; Aboobacker-Director, Rashid Aslam, Executive Director, NV Muhammed, Director; Ashraf Cherakkal, Regional Director Qatar; Ayyoob Kachery, Regional Director Kuwait; Ajith Kumar, General Manager Qatar, AP Azad, along with other Regional heads, management team and guests.
Speaking at the occasion Dr Ameen said, “Grand Mall group has grown in to successful brand in the world, particularly in the Middle East. The launch of our sixth hypermarket in Mekaines happens to be our 80th outlet overall.
This new outlet with an area of 55000 Sq. ft will be the preferred destination for the nearby residents as well as transit customers of Saudi-Doha, with ample convenient parking facilities
He said that the launch comes ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Besides international brands, the mall offers products made by local manufacturers and producers.”
The new outlet is on area of 55000 Sq., will be the preferred destination for the nearby residents as well as transit customers of Saudi-Doha, with ample convenient parking facilitie.
Dr. Chelat, Managing Director spoke about health and hygiene protocols followed by Grand Mall Hypermarkets in particularly during the Covid-19 Pandemic. “The pandemic affected retailers as well as consumers, but we prioritised the interests of citizens and residents. We did not let the crises deny demands of our customers. We ensured health, safety and hygiene standards after several pilot tests. We developed a sanitised, hygienic method to deliver products by installing advanced foodstuff packaging facilities in all regions to supply touch-free, high-quality eatables, lentils, spices, and other products.”
Doha, 26 May 2022
14th Milipol Qatar, an Internal Security and Civil Defence exhibition and conference held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) concluded with great success and many new records with total deals signed worth of
QR 592 m, said Maj. Gen. Nasser bin Fahad
Al Thani, Chairman, Milipol Committee Qatar.
Addressing to media on the concluding of the mega security exhibition, he said that over 389 delegations around the world including ministers, security experts, top security officials and diplomats; 222 exhibitors from 22 countries; 587 media representatives participated along with 11,500 visitors.
Milipol Qatar Chairman briefing on the exhibitors said that there were five pavilians from Austria; France; Germany; Italy; and North America as well as individual companies from around the world.
He said that almost 60 % of the exhibitors participated first time - those participated first time were from eight countries including Australia, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, India, The Netherlands and Slovakia.
He said that around 99 local compaies participated in 14th Milipol Qatar including relating to Cybet Security.
Maj. Gen. Nasser bin Fahad Al Thanl said that 15th Milipol Qatar will be held from 29-31 Octber 2024.
Francois Jullien, Milipol Events Director regarded Milipol Qatar a major and important platform for Internal Security and Civil Defence sectors as well as a platform of networking and exchanging of experiences and challenges for security experts, officials and traders.
Jullien highly appreciated Qatar Ministry of Interior for its support and facilities to the exhibitors and creating an appropriate atmosphere in finalizing the deals and agreements.
Milipol Qatar organises internal security and civil defence exhibition and conference every second year. It invites the maufacturers, traders, security experts to participate in exhibition along with exchanging of their experiences facing various internal security challenges.
Doha, 23 May 2022
Second and last day of 2 day FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Last Mile Security Conference witnessed the signing of an agreement between the State of Qatar and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to extend cooperation for Project Stadia. Project Stadia was established by Interpol in 2012, with funding and support from the State of Qatar, with the aim of serving countries wishing to host major sporting events.
On behalf of Qatari side, Chairman of the Security and Safety Operations Committee of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Maj. Gen. Eng. Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ansari signed and Stephen Kavanagh, Executive Director of Police Services, Interpol signed the agreement.
A joint declaration on the International Police Cooperation Center was signed between State of Qatar and a number of countries participating in the conference.
During the signing ceremony, Stephen Kavanagh expressed his thanks and appreciation to the State of Qatar for the efforts it has made over 10 years in supporting the Stadia project He stressed that the project was capable during this period to enhance
cooperation and joint planning to confront international challenges in the field of sporting events.
“The bonds of communication between the State of Qatar, FIFA, the World Health Organization and other relevant international bodies and organizations were also strengthened and continuation of this approach in the coming years will contribute in achieving the highest levels of security and safety at the international level, said Kavanagh.
In a statement to the media on the sidelines of the agreement signing ceremony, Falah Al-Dosari, Stadia Project Manager said that the agreement to extend the cooperation between the State of Qatar and INTERPOL is an affirmation of the efforts made by the two sides over the past years.
He underlined that the State of Qatar was able to train and qualify its national cadres at the highest level, which made the Stadia project guided by Qatari cadres and nominaten them to participate in international sporting events, to benefit from it.
He said that “During the conference, a number of participating countries expressed their hope to extend cooperation between the State of
Qatar and Interpol for more than two years, which indicates the insightful vision of the Qatari leadership, which discovered the international need for this project long before today and the INTERPOL would like to extend beyond 2024, but before that we have to develop plans and work on that” Al Dosari added.
Al Dosari while discussing about experience of the Stadia project in securing major events over
10 years, spoke about Interpol's tasks in the areas of combating terrorism and cyber threats, and addressing emerging crimes
He also presented an overview of Stadia Project as an inspiring experience in assisting member states in planning to host major sporting events.
Presenting the paper, he explained that the Stadia project, with the support of the State of Qatar, was able to create a database that would enhance security and safety procedures, and assist law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities while planning and implementing major events.
During the speech, he referred to the bonds of cooperation between the Stadia project and a number of countries that organized and hosted important events during the past few years, including the last World Cup.
He also talked about the procedures and measures that the Stadia project will take in the coming years, including the signing of memoranda of understanding to enhance international security tracks, through
empowerment and training, and exchange of experiences and information gathering among member states.
Michael Humann of University of Liverpool
addressed the risks and threats facing major sporting events, and how to address them by benefiting from the international from the knowledge earned by the law enforcement agencies in the State of Qatar in securing these major events;
This was confirmed by the 10-year experience, during which a large number of Qatari national cadres were graduated as international
experts in securing sporting events.
He also added that all the data indicate that the upcoming World Cup will be the safest and most secured one.
In addition to this, the great role played by the State of Qatar, not only in supporting the Stadia project, but also in providing the international community with the experiences it has gained.
in this regard, a strategic role that would enhance the efforts of the international community in facing the challenges of major
tournaments and sporting event, Stadia project Manager pointed out.
He also clarified that the success of the Stadia project was a catalyst for the signing of the extension agreement for a period of two years ending in 2024 due to the urgent need for such a project that works to leave a common international legacy, and we are sure that future international tournaments will benefit
from it.
Doha, 23 May 2022
Mrs. Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Chairman National Human Rights Committee of Qatar and President of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI) held a series of meetings with several ministers and officials during her visit to the Union of the Comoros.
She was in Comoros to support The Comorian Commission for Human Rights, to enable it to carry out its tasks of promoting and protecting human rights in the Comoros, paving the way for its submission for accreditation before the Accreditation Sub-Committee of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, after making necessary amendments in line with the principles approved by the UN General Assembly to establish national human rights institutions “Paris Principles of 93”, that enhances their legal and technical independence, to meet basic classification standards classified Class 'A ' as per Global Alliance in Geneva.
Mrs. Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiya met with Mustansaran Abdo, Speaker of the Comorian Parliament; Dhahir Zul Kamal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Qassem Lutfi, Minister of State in Charge of Cooperation with the Arab World at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Jay Ahmed Al-Shanafi, Minister of Justice, Civil Service and Administrative Reform, Human Rights and Islamic Affairs.
She also visied Comoros National Human Rights Committee Headquarters where she was received by Chairperson. Mrs. Sito Raghda Mohamed.
Both discussed and exchanged their experiences and challenges and how to overcome on them.
Al Attiya briefed on the the support that the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions provide as per its mandate to the National Human Rigjts Commitees in this regard.
During her meeting with Mustansaran Abdo, Speaker of the Comorian Parliament, Mrs. Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah reviewed the comments of the Arab Network on the law establishing the National Commission for Human Rights in the Comoros.
Comoros parliament Speaker affirmed his support for amending the law establishing the Comorian Commission for Human Rights to be more compatible with the Paris Principles of 1993, and brifed about the procedures and mechanisms required to amend the law, providing all rights without discrimination and the pursuit of sustainable development.
During hier meeting with Foreign Minister, Dhahir Zul Kamal, Qassem Lutfi, Minister of State in Charge of Cooperation with the Arab World at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also present along with a number of directors of departments in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Al-Attiya stressed on the government support to the national institution to play its role while preserving its independence, and exchanged experience of Qatar NHRC how it works and assumes its role through the state's support while preserving its independemce by carrying out its tasks freely and transparent.
Lotfi assured of Comoros willingness to join hands to achieve desired human rights standards. He said that at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs level, they will take the network’s proposals and observations into consideration.
He also said that he will communicate with the Comorian Committee to work on it, stressing the independence of the Committee in its work to achieve the wishes of the Comorian people, and welcoming the development of cooperation with the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions.
Minister, of Justice Civil Service and Administration Reforms, Jay Ahmed Al-Shanafi praised Al-Attiyah as a woman leader in society, pointing to the same context of the presidency of the Lunar Committee by a woman as well. He said that it witnesses the women progress in the Arab world.
He said the rights come from the inspiration of humanity and brotherhood. He expressed his happiness with the proposals made by the President of the Network on the law establishing the committee to be amended, stressing his support for the proposal to secure an appropriate headquarters for the Comorian Committee.
He stressed on giving the priority of human rights in Islamic countries as stipulated by Islamic Sharia.
He said that Covid-19 pandemic and current Ukraine war had an impact on human rights. He called on Arab countries to unite to live with dignity in light of these crisis.
Al-Shanafi briefed on women and children's rights in the Comoros, explaining that these rights are protected by law and by specialized committees, including the National Human Rights Committee of Comoros.
He briefed on prisons situation in Comoros and the challenges they face in terms of prisons' age and overcrowding.
Comoros Justice Minister briefed on the efforts of his Ministry in ordrr to protect and promote prisoners' rights.
Doha, 20 May 2022
Universiti Kebangssan Malaysia (UKM) , the National University of Malaysia, opened it's first campus in Qatar outside Malaysia.
It was told by Jureena, Head of Marketing UKM on the sidelines of Malaysian Education Fair inaugurated by H. E. Zamshari Shaharan at the Hotel JW Marriott on Friday.,
Doha Campus will start operating from October this year initially with three faculties including Business Management, Information Technology and Biology.
UKM is one of five research universities in Malaysia with a strategic direction to be regional leader in academic and research excellence.
In taking various initiative to enhance its academic and research capabilities, UKM has established partnerships with various organizations globally. UKM through its 13 faculties and 12 institutes offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields.
UKM is ranked at 144th in the world, 33rd in Asia countries and one of top Public Universities in Malaysia.
Over more than 2500 International students total in UKM and its guarantee the diverse mix of culture, ethnicity, and language.
THE REGIONAL GROUP, QATAR
The Regional Group was founded more than 50 years, by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al-Thani. The Group Executive Management is now led by HE Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The Group and its subsidiaries have an experience, achievements and wealth of knowledge gained through progressively responsible operations in real estate development projects, asset management, agricultural production, investment and trading in the shares of listed companies on QSE, general contracting and construction, and engineering consulting. The Regional Group focuses on achieving sustainable growth through a balanced diversity of activities.
- Beijing, 19 May 2022 (Xinhua)
BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the BRICS countries to work together to build a global community of security for all.
Xi made the remarks while delivering a video address at the opening session of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
Xi noted that currently, the impacts of major changes and a pandemic unseen in a century are being combined, and factors of instability, uncertainty and insecurity are increasing in the international situation.
"Despite it, peace and development remain the unchanging theme of the times, the aspiration of people across countries for a better life remains unchanged, and the historical mission for the international community to pursue solidarity and win-win cooperation remains unchanged," Xi said.
As a positive, inspiring and constructive force in the international community, the BRICS countries need to firm up belief, brave the storms and waves, and take real action to promote peace and development, uphold fairness and justice, and advocate democracy and freedom, so as to inject stability and positive energy into international relations in a period of turbulence and transformation, Xi said.
President Xi stressed that both history and reality tell us that seeking one's own security at the expense of others' will only create new tensions and risks. To promote common security in the world, he put forward not long ago the Global Security Initiative (GSI).
BRICS countries need to strengthen political mutual trust and security cooperation, maintain close communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, respect each other's sovereignty, security and development interests, oppose hegemonism and power politics, reject Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, and work together to build a global community of security for all, Xi said.
Development is a common task for emerging markets and developing countries, Xi underscored, adding that facing the various risks and challenges of the day, it is more than ever important for emerging markets and developing countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation.
He called on the five BRICS countries to engage in dialogue and exchanges with more emerging markets and developing countries to increase mutual understanding and trust, tighten the bond of cooperation, and deepen the convergence of interests, so as to make the pie of cooperation bigger and the force for progress stronger, and contribute still more to the lofty vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. ■
Doha, 18 May 2022
Bilateral talks between Pakistan and IMF delegates took off this morning at the Hotel Hilton Doha.
Closed doors meeting physically is attended by total six members of delegates from both sides and is learned that Pakistani Minister Miftah Ismail has joined online from Pakistan.
Both sides will have policy level discussions to revive the programme, extend its tenure and size to $8 billion.
Miftah Ismail is expected to join the physical meeting near closing day.
It is not yet confirmed whether Pakistan's Finance Minister Miftah Ismail will be meeting to his Qatari counter part and other officials during his visit to Qatar.
The development comes amid a delay in finalisation of new loan deals with Saudi Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Pakistan is awaiting a rollover of $2.3 billion Chinese commercial loan. Another $1 billion Chinese deposit is maturing this and the next month.
China has now placed a condition for the renewal of its $2.3 billion loan, which Pakistan returned in March on the hope of getting it back in April but still remains undisbursed.
The sources said China wanted that its loans could not be used for any purpose and should only be treated as part of the reserves because of Pakistan’s weakening financial situation.
The government has requested that the loan money should at least be allowed to use for making payments against Chinese imports. The sources added that the decision was pending.
No dates for Prime Minister Shehbaz’s maiden visit to China have been announced but the possibility of visual contact between the heads of the two governments was being explored, said the sources.
Doha, 17 May 2022
Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines unveil the roadmap outlining the next phase of their strategic partnership.
Malaysia Airlines’ announced launching a non-stop service from Kuala Lumpur to Doha from 25 May.
The two partners will significantly expand their codeshare cooperation, allowing passengers to travel the world and enjoy seamless connectivity via their leading hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Doha.
The codeshare expansion, which adds 34 destinations to the existing 62 codeshare destinations, marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two countries' national carriers and oneworld partners.
The agreement benefits travellers from across the globe who will have access to a much greater combined network and enjoy a seamless travel experience on both airlines with a single ticket including check-in, boarding and baggage-check processes, frequent flyer benefits and world-class lounge access for the entire journey.
Starting 25 May 2022, customers flying on Malaysia Airlines’ new Kuala Lumpur to Doha service will have access to 62 codeshare destinations within Qatar Airways' broad network to the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America.
Likewise, Qatar Airways customers travelling from Doha to Kuala Lumpur can seamlessly transfer to 34 Malaysia Airlines’ destinations including their entire domestic network and key markets in Asia, such as Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City, subject to governmental approval.
In linking both route networks, the partners are striving to develop Kuala Lumpur as a leading aviation hub in the Southeast Asia Region connecting Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand with the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
Furthermore, Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines will leverage synergies across multiple business areas and develop innovative products to benefit their customers worldwide.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said on the occasion that 'We share a close and deep bond with Malaysia Airlines and welcome their new non-stop service between Kuala Lumpur and our home in Doha, Hamad International Airport.
He said that with this strategic partnership, we are committed to delivering greater choice and connectivity to our customers around the world. We are experiencing a new optimism in air travel and expect a strong rebound in global demand. With our dynamic partnership with Malaysia Airlines, we are aiming to provide unparalleled service and a superior travel experience for our customers'.
Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Captain Izham Ismail, said, 'We are excited to deepen our cooperation with our long-standing oneworld partner Qatar Airways to bring the world closer to our customers with more choices and flexibility, exceptional services and innovative products, while upholding highest operational safety, just as passengers begin to travel again following the reopening of borders.
He said that as we move into the endemic phase, this strategic cooperation shows both carriers' commitment to offering an unrivalled range of value-added services to passengers and reflects the agility and resilience in facing the pandemic challenges.
He added that this partnership is opportune in our efforts to boost air traffic and expedite recovery to pre-pandemic levels, while also enhancing our global brand visibility'.
He said that the enhanced cooperation will also include reciprocal loyalty benefits allowing Qatar Airways Privilege Club members to earn and redeem Avios points when flying on Malaysia Airlines, with similar benefits for Malaysia Airlines Enrich members when travelling on Qatar Airways’ services.
'Privilege Club and Enrich members will also enjoy a wide range of other unique benefits, depending on tier status, such as complimentary lounge access, complimentary extra baggage allowance, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage delivery on Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways', he added.
Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways’ strategic partnership evolved progressively beginning 2001 and have significantly expanded the collaborative partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2022 to leverage each other’s network strengths and provide robust access for passengers to travel to new destinations beyond their individual network, and ultimately lead Asia Pacific Travel.
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