Qatar Airways aiming to boost services to Canada

Qatar Airways recently indicated that the airline wants to expand its flights services to Canada and is trying to secure more landing rights there.

Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, while on a recent visit to Montreal said that Canadians deserved better Qatar Airways flights services to the Middle East, but the current government restrictions have been hindering the progress.

Al Baker said that Qatar is interested in forging closer ties with Canada, but the airline is struggling with being granted additional landing rights. He said that there is clearly need for more flights.

He cautioned that more capacity and more frequency drive greater competition and have only positive impact for the benefit of both countries.

He also said that the three weekly Qatar Airways flights launched in June last year are running ahead of expectations and traveling 85 percent full.

Currently, Qatar Airways is flights to four North American destinations, including Houston, New York, Washington and Montreal.

Qatar Airways is also planning to start flights to Atlanta, Chicago, Boston and Detroit within the next year, doubling its US network.