Qatar Airways Passengers, Crew and Passengers Recived a Joyous Welcome on Commencement of Four Flights a Week.
On March 28, 2007, the world's fastest growing airline Qatar Airways commenced service to the world's most popular tropical holiday destination, making Bali its 75th worldwide port-of-call. With an initial schedule of four flights per week operating to the Airline's hub in Doha, airline executives are hoping to match the seven daily flights now operated to Jakarta by introducing daily flights to Bali once new aircraft on order become available. While the initial flight flown by Qatar operated on the previous Sunday (March 25th), the official welcoming ceremonies and reception were held three days later on March 28th to permit the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker to be personally on hand to celebrate the momentous day in Bali tourism.
Airport Celebration
Reflecting the enthusiastic support of the Balinese people for the new service, a special welcoming ceremony was held shortly after 4 p.m. on Wednesday when QR624 landed on Runway 27 at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport. Leading representatives of the local and national government together with Bali tourism figures were in attendance at a mid afternoon reception held in a Balinese pavilion located just meters away from a special parking bay prepared to welcome the A300-600 aircraft.
As the aircraft rolled to a halt under a fire truck water salute, a gamelan orchestra performed as the red carpet was unfurled to the aircraft's steps and 20 colorful traditional Balinese warriors performed a baris dance on the adjoining tarmac. Escorted by a welcoming reception of regional representatives of the Airline and traditionally dressed attendants holding ceremonial umbrellas, Mr. Al Baker made his was to the reception area where he received a floral welcome.
Meeting Akbar Al Baker - CEO, Qatar Airways
Al Baker praised the island's tourism sector for its resilience having facing tremendous challenges over the past few years. He expressed delight that Qatar Airways was able to launch flights to the island which, he said, would undoubtedly help bring in tourists from around the world and give the island's tourism industry a huge boost. In a Thursday press conference, the Chief Executive Officer briefed members of the local and international press about his carrier, providing interesting insights on Bali's newest air connection to the world,
Committed to Bali Indonesia
During his visit to Bali, Al Baker repeatedly declared his airline's desire to expand their services by adding more flights to Jakarta and Bali. Al Baker also said his Airline hoped to commence service to Surabaya, pending Indonesian government approval.
(3/31/2007)
