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Sydney Airport welcomes Qatar Airways’ A380

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17-Sep-2016 Sydney Airport welcomes Qatar Airways' A380

  • Upgauge set to further boost tourism and trade to Sydney
  • Larger aircraft adds more than 116,000 seats to the route per year
  • Daily Doha-Sydney service provides passengers with choice and connectivity

Sydney Airport last night welcomed Qatar Airways' state-of-the-art A380 on the airline's daily Doha-Sydney service, which will further boost tourism and trade to Sydney.

Qatar Airways has upgauged from a 358-seat Boeing 777 aircraft to a 517-seat A380, providing a valuable increase in aviation capacity from the Middle East and adding over 116,000 seats, with a total of over 370,000 seats on the route per year.

"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," Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

"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."

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said the airline was pleased to upgauge its Sydney service.

"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 saves 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," Mr. Al Baker said.

"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."

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres welcomed the new Qatar Airways A380 service to Sydney, marking another strategic aviation achievement for NSW.

"Our State is Australia's home of inbound international travel and we are delighted that one of the world's top airlines will be bringing more visitors to Sydney to experience our fantastic harbour city, beautiful beaches, world-class events and surrounding regions," Mr Ayres said.

Qatar Airways' inaugural flight to Sydney touched down on 2 March this year, marking a new airline and new route for Sydney Airport.

A three-time Skytrax Airline of the Year winner, Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world, and connects Sydney to more than 150 business and leisure destinations across its global network.

The airline is a member of the oneworld global alliance, which includes airlines servicing Sydney such as Qantas, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, British Airways, JAL, Malaysia Airlines and LATAM.

Sydney Airport is a world leading hub for next generation airlines, with six A380 carriers.

Flight schedule (all times local)

Departs Doha at 2140, arrives in Sydney at 1935 (next day)

Departs Sydney at 2225, arrives in Doha at 0505 (next day)