(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar Airways' first non-stop flight from Doha to St Petersburg landed yesterday at Pulkovo Airport, marking the airline's second gateway in Russia. Qatar Airways flight QR279, operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing B787 Dreamliner, departed Hamad International Airport (HIA) at 7.30am and arrived at Pulkovo Airport at 1.50pm.
On board the inaugural flight to St Petersburg were Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker and Russian ambassador Nurmakhmad Kholov.
The VIP delegation was greeted upon arrival by Pulkovo Airport CEO Vladimir Yakushev, Qatar ambassador Fahad bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, and Alexander Golovin, chairman of the Committee on Transport, Member of the Government of St Petersburg.
'Following the great success of our Moscow route, we are extremely happy to extend our reach into Russia. By launching this new route, we are committing to further supporting the Russian market, and providing inbound and outbound passengers a seamless journey through the skies, al-Baker said. St Petersburg, Russia's second largest city after Moscow, is considered an important Russian port on the Baltic Sea. The culturally diverse city is filled with historical architectural gems, including the Winter Palace and the Kazan Cathedral. 'The launch of Qatar Airways service from Doha to Pulkovo St Petersburg Airport represents new extraordinary possibilities for the city's business and leisure travel market, Yakushev, said.
'With the exquisite product offered by the airline, St Petersburg will receive a boost of both inbound and outbound tourism once connected to Qatar Airways' worldwide route network via one of the most vibrant global air hubs, HIA, in Doha, he added.
In future, 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 Class. Passengers will be able to enjoy the airline's superior entertainment system offering, passengers a wide variety of entertainment options.
With more than 10 tonnes of belly hold cargo capacity per week to and from St Petersburg on board the A320 aircraft, Qatar Airways Cargo is delighted to be 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 crew greeted upon arrival at Pulkovo Airport.
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