Qatar Airways GCEO meets Governor of St. Petersburg as part of flight launch programme in Russia

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, was officially welcomed to St. Petersburg by the city’s Governor, Georgy Poltavchenko, who congratulated the airline on the launch of its new direct daily service from Doha to the cultural capital of Russia.
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The first flight from Doha to St. Petersburg touched down at Pulkovo Airport on 19 December with H. E. Mr. Al Baker and a VIP delegation from Qatar on board. The following day, the delegation visited the Governor’s office as part of the official launch activities.

During the visit the Governor and Al Baker discussed not only the new route to the city but also Qatar Airways’ important role in bringing visitors to Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Qatar-Russia Year of Culture.

Al Baker commented, “It was truly an honour to meet The Governor of St. Petersburg, Mr. Georgy Poltavchenko. This was a wonderful opportunity to discuss the new Qatar Airways direct daily service from Doha to St. Petersburg and how it will enhance the number of tourists coming to the city from around our global network of more than 150 destinations.

“We highly appreciate the Governor’s support in making our new route a huge success for both the airline and for the people of St. Petersburg.”

The Governor also told  Al Baker that St. Petersburg is looking forward to welcoming more guests from Qatar and to supporting the Qatar-Russia Year of Culture. As Russia’s capital of culture, the city will play an important role during this year of cultural exchange.

Poltavchenko added that the new route between Doha and St. Petersburg will serve to strengthen the business ties between Russia and Qatar, as well as opening up new opportunities for investment and partnership.

Qatar Airways celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight to Saint-Petersburg on 19 December with a gala dinner event, attended by the city’s most influential VIPs, politicians and celebrities, held at the Russian Museum of Ethnography.