‘THIS NEW ROUTE WILL OPEN-UP WALES’ WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD...’

First Minister Carwyn Jones: “This is great news for both Cardiff Airport and for Wales. This new route, and the relationship between Cardiff Airport and Qatar Airways, will open-up Wales’ links with the rest of the world and deliver new economic, leisure and travel opportunities for Welsh businesses and the people of Wales.

“I look forward to meeting with the Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways in Doha on Sunday and I will also be meeting senior officials in Qatar to explore potential investment opportunities for Wales.”

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns: “I am delighted that a globally respected brand looks set to develop a direct route to Wales.

This new route will send a positive message about an outward looking Wales developing international trade and tourism links to the rest of the world.”

Ben Cottam, FSB head of external affairs: “We are pleased to learn that passengers will now be able to use Cardiff Airport to travel to destinations such as Australia and the Middle East. On the back of new trade links that the Welsh & UK Governments are developing, this new link offers businesses the opportunity to travel and exploit these new relationships around the world. This development will help further increase Wales’ place on the world stage, and we look forward to many businesses making the most of this.”

Director of IoD Wales Robert Lloyd Griffiths: “This is great news and I am delighted to hear of the introduction of flights to Doha. I have previously emphasised how the transport infrastructure for Wales is key to economic growth. At this time in particular, access to the wider world is key to the development of international opportunities.

“Route development is at the very heart of the future prosperity of Cardiff Airport and it is very encouraging for the team there to see that their hard work is paying off. Let’s hope that this announcement opens the door to other airlines and other routes.

“The business community will certainly welcome these developments and our members will be pleased that their ambitious plans are paying dividends.”