ROUTES: Turkish and Qatar commit to Durban links

The airline said it will begin flights before the end of November 2015, beating is Gulf competitor Qatar Airways, by three weeks. The Doha-based airline had detailed its plans earlier at the World Routes Forum being held in Durban this week.
Qatar will be operating a four times weekly service, as an extension of an expanded schedule between Doha and Johannesburg, from December 17, 2015. It is the second Gulf carrier to link with the east coast resort city as Emirates operates a daily servie – and is currently the only international carrier serving the King Shaka Airport.
Local stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal region believe the introduction of flights by Qatar and Turkish will play an important role in its strategy to build sustainable air connectivity and ensure the province becomes a key regional aviation hub.
The move by Qatar will increase Qatar Airways’ offering on the Doha – Johannesburg sector from ten weekly to double daily, while from October 1, it will operate daily flights between Doha and Cape Town ahead of the busy 2015/16 winter travel season, an increase from five weekly flights this winter.
“The city of Durban will be a welcome new addition to our extensive route map,” said Akbar Al Baker, chief executive officer, of the Qatar Airways Group.
All three South African routes will be operated using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner equipment configured with 254 seats in a two-class arrangement.
Speaking at World Routes, Michael Mabuyakhulu, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs of KwaZaulu-Natal said: “We are pleased that World Routes Durban 2015 has featured good news for our province, the city, the country and, indeed, the region as one of the fastest-growing brands in the aviation business.”
“The news that Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines will be introducing a new flight service between Doha and King Shaka International Airport is in line with our ambitious plans of developing an aviation inspired conurbation, the Durban aerotropolis, as a catalyst towards the stimulation of growth to unleash considerable business and employment opportunities for our people,” he added.
Durban is the second most important manufacturing hub in South Africa after Johannesburg with the presence of a number of major multi-national companies and is also famous for being the busiest port in the African continent. It is also seen as one of the main centres of tourism because of the city's warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches and is an exciting holiday destination thanks to its luxury resorts and adventure sports opportunities.