Two days of celebrations marked the launch of Qatar Airways' new four-times-weekly service between Doha and Durban on Dec. 17 in the South African beachfront city. Qatar Airways' inaugural flight QR1367, operated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was greeted at King Shaka International Airport by a delegation of senior officials including the Province of KwaZulu-Natal's Premier Senzo Mchunu, MPL, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Michael Mabuyakhulu, the Mayor of eThekwini Cllr. James Nxumalo, Hamish Erskine, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Dube TradePort and Terence Delomoney General Manager of King Shaka International Airport. The local dignitaries welcomed guests from Doha as they disembarked from the inaugural flight. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, who arrived in Durban on the inaugural flight, said: "It is a great pleasure to further expand our worldwide network with the addition of Durban. We have connected the people of South Africa with our expanding global network for a decade and it is with much delight that we open a third gateway in this beautiful country." "Durban's prestige as a tourism destination is attracting an increasing number of travellers who deserve the world-class service and best in class value that only Qatar Airways can deliver." "Durban's prestige is recognized by the world-class events it has been chosen to host, further reinforcing the city's strong and vibrant future as a global tourism destination," added Al Baker. Both Doha and Durban will each host major global events in 2022. Doha will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and during the same year, Durban will host the XXII Common Wealth Games. The Premier of the KwaZulu-Natal Province Senzo Mchunu welcomed Qatar Airways and said: "Direct long haul air services from Durban will continue to be very important for our province as they serve as the lifeblood of our economy, by opening up new markets for our goods around the world and delivering tourists to our shores. In order to position this city internationally we have taken a route to position Durban as the events capital of Africa, this approach has brought us a tremendous amount of international attention and support from the business community, delegates, tourists and fans from around the world." The celebrations continued on Friday (Dec. 18) with a media briefing and VIP lunch at Camp Orchards, Hillcrest hosted by Al Baker, and attended by local dignitaries including the Premier of the KwaZulu-Natal Province Senzo Mchunu, MPL, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Michael Mabuyakhulu and the Mayor of eThekwini Cllr. James Nxumalo. The same afternoon an outdoor event took place on Durban beach front, adjacent to Moyo Pier, where local artist Pumelelo Kole recreated the Doha skyline out of sand. The 2x3 metre construction was unveiled to the waiting crowd and international, national and local social media influencers who had the opportunity to take selfies with Qatar Airways artwork. The launch of the new service complements the airline's existing daily flights to Cape Town and double-daily flights to Johannesburg, and is an expansion of the airline's operations in South Africa. Travellers can now choose from a total of 21 flights a week to South Africa from Qatar Airways' hub, Hamad International Airport. Passengers to and from Durban will have the opportunity to enjoy award-winning Business and Economy Class service while travelling on a Qatar Airways Boeing 787, including up to 2,000 films, music titles and TV shows on Oryx One, the airline's world-class inflight entertainment system. One of the newest aircraft in the Qatar Airways fleet, the Boeing 787, also known as the Dreamliner, accommodates 254 seats configured in two classes. The new passenger service will complement Qatar Airways' existing freighter services to Johannesburg. Qatar Airways Cargo, the world's third largest cargo carrier, has been an active player in the development of the South African export business by connecting it with worldwide markets, via Doha.
