Houston Community News >>
10/9/2008 Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways
Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker has revealed the airline will
postpone the launch of its third U.S. route connecting
Houston and Doha
to 30 March 2009 due to aircraft delivery schedules related to the
current strike by Boeing employees.
The first of Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft to be used on the route was due to be delivered in November ahead of the scheduled December 8 Houston launch. However, uncertainty over future aircraft deliveries arising from the Boeing machinists’ union strike, Qatar Airways has decided to delay the launch.
Al Baker said that the strike had severely affected the airline’s Houston plans.
“There is no possibility of being able to operate the Houston route as planned due to the unfortunate events at Boeing so we decided to shift the launch date to a more reasonable time in March next year. This way, we can be assured of having available the required long-range aircraft to serve Houston,” he added.
“We are committed to serving Houston and have worked tirelessly over the past few months; injecting tremendous effort and energy in preparing for a December launch.
Qatar Airways has made a concerted effort to reach out to every passenger booked on its Houston – Doha flights, and steps have also been initiated to re-book them on alternative flights with Qatar Airways via other cities, or flights operated by other airlines to help them get to their final destination.
“Qatar Airways is taking all steps necessary to contact passengers who have booked tickets to and from Houston and assist them with making alternative travel arrangements, “explained Al Baker.
Qatar Airways has experienced healthy levels of bookings well ahead of the planned launch. The airline looks forward to bringing its new Houston route online very soon and give the travelling public a memorable Five Star experience onboard the award-winning carrier.
“We remain determined to provide the travelling public with the highest quality of service and product available in the skies, and we look forward to offering our 5-star service on a growing number of routes, including Houston, in the near future.”
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 63 Airbus and Boeing aircraft from its Doha hub to 83 key business and leisure cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America.
The first of Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft to be used on the route was due to be delivered in November ahead of the scheduled December 8 Houston launch. However, uncertainty over future aircraft deliveries arising from the Boeing machinists’ union strike, Qatar Airways has decided to delay the launch.
Al Baker said that the strike had severely affected the airline’s Houston plans.
“There is no possibility of being able to operate the Houston route as planned due to the unfortunate events at Boeing so we decided to shift the launch date to a more reasonable time in March next year. This way, we can be assured of having available the required long-range aircraft to serve Houston,” he added.
“We are committed to serving Houston and have worked tirelessly over the past few months; injecting tremendous effort and energy in preparing for a December launch.
Qatar Airways has made a concerted effort to reach out to every passenger booked on its Houston – Doha flights, and steps have also been initiated to re-book them on alternative flights with Qatar Airways via other cities, or flights operated by other airlines to help them get to their final destination.
“Qatar Airways is taking all steps necessary to contact passengers who have booked tickets to and from Houston and assist them with making alternative travel arrangements, “explained Al Baker.
Qatar Airways has experienced healthy levels of bookings well ahead of the planned launch. The airline looks forward to bringing its new Houston route online very soon and give the travelling public a memorable Five Star experience onboard the award-winning carrier.
“We remain determined to provide the travelling public with the highest quality of service and product available in the skies, and we look forward to offering our 5-star service on a growing number of routes, including Houston, in the near future.”
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 63 Airbus and Boeing aircraft from its Doha hub to 83 key business and leisure cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America.
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