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Tribune News Network
Doha
WINDHOEK, the capital of Namibia, on Wednesday welcomed the first Qatar Airways (QA) flight to arrive at its international airport from Doha.
A VIP delegation from Doha, including Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Dr Hugh Dunleavy and Namibia's Ambassador to Qatar HE Japhet Isaack, was greeted at the aircraft by Digu Naobeb, Chief Executive Officer, Namibia Tourism Board and Qatar's Ambassador to South Africa HE Salem Abdullah Sultan al Jaber.
Windhoek is the first city in Namibia to be served by QA, which will fly to and from the destination four times a week with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The new route will connect passengers flying from Namibia to more than 150 global destinations via QAs' state-of-the-art hub and home Hamad International Airport in Doha. Windhoek will be the 23rd destination in Africa served by the award-winning airline.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al Baker said:"We are delighted to extend our network within Africa by adding the premium leisure and business destination of Windhoek to our route map. Africa remains one of our key target areas for growth and we have identified Namibia as an important African nation to include in our expansion plans. With the launch of this service we look forward to strengthening our ties with the people of Namibia, who we are pleased to connect with more than 150 global destinations via our hub in Doha, while supporting the country's growing tourism industry by flying in tourists from all around the world."
Namibia Tourism Board's Chief Executive Officer Digu Naobeb said:"The new flight route provides the opportunity to promote Namibia as a business and leisure destination amongst Qatar Airways' wide network of travellers. The route not only improves connections with mature destinations, but also allows Namibia to tap into new markets that are served by the airline. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Namibia via this new gateway in Doha."
Export businesses in Namibia will benefit from the launch of the new route as Qatar Airways Cargo will offer 92 tonnes of belly-hold capacity per week on board the aircraft. This will offer Namibian businesses a prime opportunity to distribute goods across the airline's network of more than 150 destinations.
