DOHA: Qatar Airways has launched scheduled flights to Hanoi and added frequencies to its Ho Chi Minh City route, nearly tripling the airline’s number of services in and out of Vietnam. The carrier’s Vietnamese expansion marks a new chapter in its growth in the Far East for 2010, which also includes the addition of new routes to Tokyo and Phuket, as well as significant frequency and capacity upgrades across the region. The airline now operates 11 flights a week from Doha to Vietnam’s two largest cities, up from its previous four frequencies a week to Ho Chi Minh City. Its new Vietnam schedules took effect from Nov. 1 beginning with its inaugural flight from Doha to Hanoi, which touched down at Noi Bai International Airport, following a journey via Bangkok. Hanoi becomes the airline’s second Vietnamese route and is operated four-times-a-week. At the same time, Qatar Airways Ho Chi Minh City services have been boosted to daily. “The bilateral relationship between Qatar and Vietnam has grown significantly in recent years and this route development is one of the results of this growing friendship,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.
JEDDAH: flydubai, described as Dubai’s first low cost airline, has announced its entry into the high-growth and high-potential Saudi market with the launch of the first-ever direct flight between Dubai and Abha. Flight No. FZ811 will operate thrice weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) from Nov. 23 onward until Jan. 17, when flydubai will expand operations to a daily flight connecting the two important destinations. “We are delighted to announce the expansion of our network today, with Abha becoming our 27th destination,” flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said. “With the launch of this new route to the Kingdom, flydubai now has flights operating to every GCC country within our network,” added Ghaith. Abha, a burgeoning tourist destination, with the Abha summer festival being a major attraction, as well as the incredibly impressive Al-Habala village, located some 2,000 meters above sea level, will be extremely popular with visitors from the UAE and neighboring countries. The stunning site featuring stone and mud houses built precariously on the side of a steep slope and only accessible by cable car will also be a major draw for visitors.
JEDDAH: Airlines, airports and individuals from the Middle East were honored at the Leaders in Aviation Awards at the 2nd Doha Aviation Summit recently. Among the winners were Air Arabia, named as Low Cost Carrier (LCC) of the Year, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) that took the award for the Green Initiative of the Year by an Airport, and Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways who was honored for his long-term contribution to the economic growth of Qatar. Organized by Dubai-based naseba, the event brought together international and regional aviation leaders for two days, addressing challenges impacting the industry today and potential issues in the future. Air Arabia was the first LCC in the region and remains the largest, with nearly 50 destinations and a large order book of new aircraft. As well as being the first airline to introduce no-frills, value for money air travel in the region, it was the first to start e-ticketing, and was one of the most profitable airlines in its category during the worst financial crisis of modern times. ADAC was honored for its commitment to put corporate responsibility and sustainability at the heart of its business.
RIYADH: With a heritage that originates in the US state of Texas, Rosewood Hotels, is extending its true “Southern hospitality” to Riyadh this month for the inaugural Texan Food Festival at the Hotel Al Khozama, A Rosewood Hotel, owned by Al Khozama Management Company. The warmest Southern welcome awaits guests from the minute they arrive at the Garden Barbeque, an idyllic outdoor setting that has been transformed into a little piece of ranch-style Texas. A lively atmosphere with cowboys in blue jeans, foot-stomping country music and the aromas of hickory smoked barbeque grills transport guests to the heart of the South. A celebration of Rosewood Hotel’s roots — the first Rosewood Hotel opened in Dallas in 1979 — the festival promises a feast of Southern favorites. The menu includes everything from freshly grilled steaks, chicken and shrimps, to fajitas, quesadillas and chili con carne, and an awe-inspiring array of side dishes, sweet delights and traditional American refreshments. “There is no better place to enjoy November’s fine weather, an American menu and the best entertainment than here,” says Erik Huyer, GM, Hotel Al Khozama, A Rosewood Hotel.
