World no1 wins women's championship World Number 1 Victoria Azarenka has won Qatar Total Open ladies tennis championships which took place in Doha. Qatar Airways, the official airline of the tournament, was proud to welcome the world's best female tennis players to Qatar for the week-long prestigious event, now in its 10th year. Other top-seeded players including last year's winner, Russian Vera Zvonareva and the world's former top player, Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki, took to the courts in a display of some of the best tennis action ever seen in Qatar. Azarenka, World Number 1 since winning her first Grand Slam at the Australian Open last month, and more than 50 other tennis professionals from over 25 countries, played in the tournament between 13-19 February. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker said that the airline was proud to once again be part of the Qatar Total Open, the second leading tennis event of the year in Doha after some of the world's best men's players competed in the capital city early last month. "We were very pleased to bring these amazing tennis stars from the women's international circuit to our city and we hoped they enjoyed the warm hospitality that our country is so renowned for." Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 104 aircraft to 112 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. As part of its 2012 expansion programme, Qatar Airways recently launched flights to the European capital cities of Tbilisi in Georgia and Baku in Azerbaijan. The Doha-based carrier will launch scheduled flights to a further seven destinations this year �ê" Kigali (Rwanda) from 21 March; Zagreb (Croatia) from 9 May, Perth (Australia) from 3 July; with dates yet to be announced for other new routes �ê" Mombasa (Kenya), Zanzibar (Tanzania), Helsinki (Finland), and Gassim (Saudi Arabia). BA resumes flights to Libya British Airways plans to resume flights to Tripoli from Tuesday 1 May 2012. The return of services between Heathrow and Tripoli follows a thorough security review in conjunction with the UK Government and the Libyan authorities. British Airways' chief executive Keith Williams said: "We are delighted to be returning to Libya. Our flights to Tripoli have provided a vital economic link for many years, and it is good news for everyone that we can now restart operations." The airline will fly to and from Tripoli three times a week. Pakistan airlines completes replacement programme Boeing and Pakistan International Airlines announced on Monday a firm order for five 777-300ER (extended range) airplanes. Valued at nearly $1.5 billion at list prices, the order also includes purchase rights to Pakistan International Airlines for five additional 777-300ERs. Based in Karachi, Pakistan International Airlines has been renewing its long-haul fleet to accommodate increased demand for air travel as well as to introduce new routes. "With passenger traffic in our region accelerating, the new 777-300ER airplanes will continue to deliver the highest standards of technology and passenger comfort to our customers," said Capt. Nadeem Yousufzai, Managing Director of Pakistan International Airlines. "The spacious 777-300ER has been an integral part of our long-range fleet renewal program and its excellent operating economics, long range capability and reliability will allow us to expand into new long-haul markets." In 2002, Pakistan's flag carrier became the world's first airline to purchase all three passenger models of the 777 Family and in that year was also the launch customer for the 777-200LR (longer range) airplane. "We are proud that Pakistan International Airlines is a special Boeing customer that continues to invest and trust in the industry-leading capabilities of the 777 family of airplanes," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for the Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Boeing values the excellent partnership that was established over 10 years ago and one which we hope to continue well into the future as the airline progresses with its expansion plans." 2011 was the best-selling year for the 777 program with a net order book of 200 surpassing the previous record of 154 orders set in 2005. The 777-300ER brings new twin-engine efficiency to the airline's long-haul fleet. The airplane is powered by General Electric GE90-115BLs, the world's largest and most powerful commercial jet engines. The airplane also features the Boeing Signature Interior that offers wider seats, wider aisles, more headroom and more seating flexibility.
