CBR’s 2nd int’l carrier arrives

QATAR Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker and the Australian Ambassador to the state of Qatar, Axel Wabenhorst, were among the dignitaries aboard the Gulf carrier’s inaugural service which landed in Canberra yesterday.

The arrival of flight QR906 from Doha to CBR via Sydney was met with a traditional water canon salute (as pictured).

Canberra is now Qatar Airways’ fifth destination in Australia, joining MEL, PER, ADL and SYD.

Al Baker said the oneworld airline was delighted to have expanded its reach down under.

“In 2016, we launched flights to Sydney and Adelaide, clearly demonstrating our commitment to the people of Australia.

“We are extremely happy to be offering our loyal Australian passengers the chance to explore the newest and most exciting destinations we have added to our global network in the past year, including... Dublin, Kiev, Prague & St Petersburg,” he said.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said it was wonderful Qatar Airways had made the decision to fly to Canberra in 2018, “a year in which our city was recognised as the third best in the world to visit by Lonely Planet.”

QR’s Canberra services will be operated using Boeing 777s, equipped with 42 flatbed seats in Business class & 316 in Economy.