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Aviation History
1999
1999 - 0896.PDF
A JII 'fllANZPUIi'f > QATAR A /R WA YS d/ff-\«(f Qatar operates three Airbus A300-600Rs on its international network from Doha. The A3 30-200 and 767-400 are being considered as replacements the network and introducing codeshares. The airline could also hook up to a US feed, with transatlantic codeshare deals linking to its European services. Passenger traffic has grown from about 200,000 in 1995 to over 850,00 in 1998. In the last two years, growth has averaged around 35- 40% and, although it is dropping to around 25%, the airline expects to pass the 1 million passenger mark this year. The strategy over the past two years has led to a revamping of the route network to ensure that the airline can establish an acceptable frequency to its destina tions, with capacity better matched to loads. Transit passengers connecting with Qatar or other carriers such as GulfAir from Doha make up around 60% of die airline's traffic. The air port is undergoing a major development, including the projected completion of a new terminal in 2001, that will provide Qatar with an infrastructure more on a par with the hubs of Emirates in Dubai and GulfAir in Bahrain. The airline employs 850 people, and Al-Baker sees the headcount being redistributed, rather than increased, as expansion is undertaken. The airline originally wanted to establish a network of partners in die region, but lack of co operation from local carriers has forced Qatar to go it alone. Qatar flirted briefly with Oman Air, linking into each others' hubs in Doha and Muscat, but this tie-up has been suspended. Qatar has set its sights on bigger fish, outside die region, for its allies. Neither of the major alliances, Star or oneworld, has designated a partner in the Arabian Gulf region, and Al- Baker is keen to put that right. "We started a codeshare with [Star partner] Lufthansa last July on our Munich route," he says. "It is our eventual aim to become a member of Star." Al-Baker says that talks on extending ties widi Lufthansa, which could lead to the airline join ing the Star Alliance, will begin once the code- share has been running for 12 months. Brightening the prospects of Al-Baker's Star ambitions are Emirates' lack of interest in a link with a single global grouping and Gulf Air's apparent leaning in the American Airlines/oneworld direction. Qatar's high standard of onboard service has already established it as a serious alternative to local rivals. Although still an infant in the com petitive Gulf environment, the airline's deter mination to press ahead witfi its clearcut development agenda has given rivals cause for concern. How Qatar Airways will ultimately fit into the new airline order taking shape in the region is less clear. • A strategic revamp in 1997 saw Qatar's two 500-seat Boeing 74't'SRs replaced by smaller A300-600Rs 40 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 7 - 13 April 1999
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