Qatar flights trade boost for Durban

QATAR Airways started flying between Durban and Doha on December 17‚ with four flights a week initially scheduled.

“Qatar is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners in the Middle East and adding Durban to our existing South African routes will further strengthen the bond between the two countries‚ especially in the tourism sector‚” said Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker.

Trade between South Africa and Qatar stands at $500-million a year‚ making Qatar South Africa’s fifthlargest trading partner.

Each year‚ Qatar Airways transports more than 5 000 tons of air cargo from South Africa. “Durban is a major commercial and trade centre in South Africa‚ one of the busiest ports on the continent‚ and a popular tourism destination‚” Al Baker said.

“With its excellent aviation infrastructure and the development of the Dube Tradeport‚ there are tremendous opportunities for further growth in Durban and South Africa.”

KwaZulu-Natal premier Senzo Mchunu 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.”

Qatar Airways won the airline of the year award at the 2015 Skytrax awards, the third time it has won the award. — BDLive