Qatar Airways has manufacturers in its sights as it launches Birmingham-Doha flights
MANUFACTURERS from the West Midlands who travel regularly to major export markets such as China are firmly in the sights of Qatar Airways, which launches eight times a week flights to Doha from Birmingham Airport next month.
The airport in Doha, in Qatar, is a major hub with many connections to South East Asia and the Far East and the airline believes this will appeal to exporting businesses from this region as well as people living here visiting relatives and friends.
From March 30 the airline will be operating services between Birmingham and Doha every day of the week with two services on Saturdays (see below for full schedule).
The route will be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, comprising 22 seats in business class and 232 economy class seats.
Hamad International Airport in Doha provides onward transfers to more than 150 destinations, including two recent additions in Australia: Sydney and Adelaide.
On a visit to Birmingham yesterday, Jonathan Harding OBE, Qatar Airways’ senior vice president, NSW Europe, told TheBusinessDesk.com: “We imagine there will be a lot of traffic with corporates such as JLR and JCB in the region but also people visiting friends and relatives.”
Harding said the airline had been impressed with the area’s attempts to improve itself and make itself more attractive to visitors.
“Brand Birmingham continues to grow with HS2, the work Andy Street is doing at the LEP and the focus the Government has on the Midlands Engine for Growth,” he said.
“There are many reasons for launching the service. One of which is the significant movement between Birmingham and India and Pakistan.
“Regional airports are incredibly important and there is no doubt that the timing for this is spot on.
“The opportunities driven by creating this ‘air bridge’ between Doha and Birmingham are substantial whether that be for the likes of JLR or someone going on a cultural holiday.”
A recent survey of 1,000 people in the West Midlands revealed that 65% of people would travel long-haul from the region give the chance.
The airline’s existing services from the UK are from London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh.
It was re-launched in 1997 and today has 175 aeroplanes.
Schedule between Doha and Birmingham from March 30
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Doha (DOH) to Birmingham (BHX) departure 01.25, arrival 06.45
Birmingham (BHX) to Doha (DOH) departure 09.15, arrival 18.05
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
Doha (DOH) to Birmingham (BHX) departure 07.30, arrival 12.50
Birmingham (BHX) to Doha (DOH) departure 15.00, arrival 23.50
