Qatar Airlines debuts A380 on Sydney route

Sydney has become Qatar Airways’ first destination in Australia to be served by the A380 aircraft, six months after the route’s inauguration with the Boeing 777-300 on 1 March 2016.

The 517-seater A380 aircraft increases the airline’s daily capacity by 44 %.

Qatar Airways group chief executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “From the moment we inaugurated service to Sydney earlier this year, we have been welcomed with open arms.

“Customers flying to and from Sydney appreciate our global route network and our efficient flight schedules, which save them hours of time on the average itinerary. We are pleased to respond in kind, with the introduction of the A380 service to Sydney, offering 517 seats per flight.

“Qatar Airways brings travellers from Australia to more destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa than any other airline serving Australia today. Australia is one of the main hubs of the business world in Asia Pacific, with many passengers flying worldwide for business and leisure. What better way to serve travellers from this key destination than to introduce our iconic A380 to the country, starting with the nation’s biggest hub, Sydney.”

Sydney Airport managing director and chief executive officer Kerrie Mather added: “We’re thrilled that Qatar Airways has upgauged to an A380 within six months of the airline’s launch in Sydney, which is testament to their early success and strong loads.

“Qatar Airways’ Doha-Sydney service already generates an estimated 3,000 jobs and contributes more than $240 million to the economy per year, plus it provides passengers with more choice and connectivity.

“Sydney Airport estimates that Qatar Airways’ A380 will deliver an incremental $78 million in inbound visitor expenditure annually to Australia, supporting the federal government’s target of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020. On behalf of Sydney Airport, I’d like to congratulate Qatar Airways on this significant milestone and wish them continued success on the route.

Simon Fillmore

Photo:FPP - LHR