Bangkok--28 Jun--Vivaldi Swiss City Becomes Airline’s Newest European Destination Services Operate Onto New York Marking Carrier’s Maiden Flights To UnitedStates Of America Qatar Airways today launched scheduled flights to Geneva — its second destination in Switzerland — flying onwards to New York(Newark) and signalling the airline’s maiden services to the United States. Flight QR083 from Doha arrived at Geneva International Airport this afternoon to a ‘fireman’s salute’ water arch ceremony,followed by traditional Swiss music and entertainment. The flight later continued its journey to New York. A number of government, business and media VIP dignitaries from Qatar and the GCC countries was onboard, hosted by Qatar AirwaysChief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker. Guests included the US Ambassador to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Chase Untermeyer. Geneva State Councillor and Chairman of the Airport Board, Fran?ois Longchamp and Airport Chief Executive Officer Robert Deillonwere among the dignitaries at the welcome ceremony to receive the flight. The Doha — Geneva — New York (Newark) route is served four-times-a-week with the airline’s state-of-the-art Airbus A330 aircraftin a three-class configuration. Both Geneva and New York take the airline’s international route network to 77 cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indiansubcontinent, Far East and America. The carrier operates a modern fleet of 58 all-Airbus aircraft. On arrival in Geneva, Al Baker said: “I am delighted to see Qatar Airways launch its second route in Switzerland with the additiontoday of Geneva. And as we fly onto New York, Qatar Airways’ first American destination, we are giving our passengers from Switzerland agreater choice of destinations to choose from. “I would like to personally thank the Swiss authorities for granting us the rights to fly to Geneva and beyond to the UnitedStates. I am sure our new direct route linking Doha with Geneva and onwards to New York will open up excellent opportunities for businessand leisure travellers across our network. “2007 truly is an eventful year for Qatar Airways with nine new routes opening up during the course of the 12 months.” Qatar Airways has already launched services to Bali, Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Chennai and Ho Chi Minh City this year. The airline’s A330 used on the Doha — Geneva — New York route features 12 seats in First Class — seats that convert into flat beds— 18 seats in Business Class, which offer generous space with 160 degree recline, and 208 seats in Economy. In three weeks’ time, starting July 19, Qatar Airways will operate daily non-stop scheduled services between Doha and DullesInternational Airport in Washington DC. The airline will be the only Middle East carrier flying daily to the US capital. With a growing international network, more travellers have an opportunity to use Qatar Airways’ brand new Premium Terminal at DohaInternational Airport, exclusively for departing First and Business Class passengers. The Premium Terminal features facilities including a spa, jacuzzi, exclusive duty free shopping, business centre and fine diningrestaurants. Built in just nine months, the US$90 million terminal is the world’s first commercial passenger building dedicated to First andBusiness Class passengers and offers departing and transit passengers an excellent opportunity to relax and unwind prior to their flight. DOHA — GENEVA — NEW YORK (NEWARK) Schedules:Days Flight Number Departure Arrival Doha — Geneva Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun QR083 0840 1410 Geneva — New York (Newark) Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun 1555 1855 New York (Newark) — Geneva Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun QR084 2155 1150* Geneva - Doha Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun 1305 2015 * Arrival the following day. Notes to Editors:- Qatar Airways is one of only five airlines in the world with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax,the independent aviation industry monitoring agency. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways’ cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the fourthyear running in 2006 and second best worldwide following a survey of more than 12 million passengers worldwide. The airline’s fleet will almost double in size to 110 aircraft by 2015. Qatar Airways is to acquire 80 Airbus A350s and 22 Boeing777s, with deliveries of the latter beginning in November 2007. The airline is a launch customer of the twin-deck Airbus A380 ‘super jumbos’ with five aircraft on order and scheduled fordelivery from 2010. Qatar Airways moves to the New Doha International Airport in 2009, when the first phase of the new facility opens. Formore information, visit www.ndiaproject.com For further information, please contact Matthew Smith Chief Operating Officer Vivaldi Public Relations Tel: 02 319 1031 ext. 1195 Fax: 02 319 9303 Mobile: 089 142 5558 Email: [email protected] Pattaranit Imampai Senior Public Relations Manager Vivaldi Public Relations Tel: 02 02 718 2191 Fax: 02 319 9303 Mobile: 089 893 4819 Email: [email protected] Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net