Daily flights to Lagos

Qatar Airways says it has expanded its operations in Nigeria by boosting the number of flights to daily services and upgrading aircraft on the Doha – Lagos route to three-class Airbus A340-600s.

The new daily service replaces the two-class Airbus A330-200s on the route.

Cargo capacity on the Airbus A340-600 offers an additional 40 percent more capacity over the previously used A330-200s operating the route.

Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital but is also the gateway to west Africa and offers strong business links with rest of the world.

The changes are part of Qatar Airways’ ongoing growth strategy, which will see the launch of six new routes during 2009, including Melbourne and Sydney in Australia; Goa and Amritsar in India; and two further additions to its extensive European network. Frequency and capacity increases on selected routes are also scheduled.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker explained that the airline’s Nigerian expansion was evidence of the continued economic prosperity in the West African market.

“Lagos is one of Qatar Airways’ key routes, which has grown significantly in stature since launching two years ago,” he said.

“I am glad to say that we now offer even better services, increased capacity for cargo."

“Africa has been highlighted by the International Air Transport Association as one of the most important growth markets for aviation over the next 20 years, and Qatar Airways is committed to making further inroads into this dynamic continent to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities available."

“On behalf of Qatar Airways, I must thank the Nigerian authorities for making this latest route enhancement possible,” added Al Baker.

Qatar Airways says it currently operates a modern fleet of 68 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 84 cities worldwide.