The new Qatar Airways route between Doha and St Petersburg will serve to strengthen the business ties between Russia and Qatar, as well as opening up new opportunities for investment and partnership, said Georgy Poltavchenko, St Petersburg governor.
The governor told Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar al-Baker that St Petersburg is looking forward to welcoming more guests from Qatar and to supporting the Qatar-Russia Year of Culture. As Russia’s capital of culture, the city will play an important role during this year of cultural exchange.
Al-Baker was officially welcomed to St Petersburg by Poltavchenko, who congratulated the airline on the launch of its new direct daily service from Doha to the cultural capital of Russia.
The first flight from Doha to St Petersburg touched down at Pulkovo Airport on December 19 with al-Baker and a VIP delegation from Qatar onboard. The following day, the delegation visited the governor’s office as part of the official launch activities.
During the visit, the governor and al-Baker discussed not only the new route to the city but also Qatar Airways’ important role in bringing visitors to Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Qatar-Russia Year of Culture.
Following the visit, al-Baker commented, “It was truly an honour to meet the Governor of St Petersburg, Georgy Poltavchenko. This was a wonderful opportunity to discuss the new Qatar Airways direct daily service from Doha to St Petersburg and how it will enhance the number of tourists coming to the city from around our global network of more than 150 destinations.
“We highly appreciate the Governor’s support in making our new route a huge success for both the airline and for the people of St Petersburg.” Qatar Airways celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight to St Petersburg with a gala dinner held at the Russian Museum of Ethnography and attended by VIPs, politicians and celebrities.
The evening was hosted by al-Baker, who welcomed VIP guests including Fahad bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, Qatar’s ambassador to the Russian Federation and Nurmakhmad Kholov, Russia’s ambassador to Qatar.
The launch of Qatar Airways’ daily direct service to Russia’s cultural capital will increase the airline’s number of flights a week into the country to 28.
Operating to Moscow since 2003, Qatar Airways recently increased its service to the city from twice daily to three times daily to meet growing demand.
The recent relaxation in visa entry requirements for Russian nationals into Qatar has opened up this route to even more passengers wishing to experience Qatar Airways’ five-star service to more than 150 business and leisure destinations across the world.
With more than 10 tonnes of belly hold cargo capacity per week to and from St Petersburg onboard the A320 aircraft, which serves this new route, Qatar Airways Cargo is further expanding its import and export services in Russia. The launch of service to St Petersburg has increased the overall belly hold cargo capacity to and from Russia, with more than 40 tonnes being transported each way per week.
Qatar Airways will operate its daily St Petersburg service with an Airbus A320 aircraft, which features 12 flatbed seats in business class and 120 seats in economy. Passengers will be able to enjoy the airline’s superior entertainment system offering passengers various entertainment options.
Al-Baker being welcomed in St Petersburg by Georgy Poltavchenko, the Russian city’s governor. The first Qatar Airways flight from Doha to St Petersburg touched down at Pulkovo Airport on December 19.
