Qatar Airways has ventured further into Northern Europe with the launch of scheduled flights to Norway. Oslo, the capital of one of the top oil nations in the world, becomes Qatar Airways' third Scandinavian gateway after Stockholm and Copenhagen, further cementing the carrier's presence in the Nordic countries. Recently named Airline of the Year 2011 in the annual Skytrax passenger survey, Qatar Airways' new five-times-a-week service to Oslo comes less than a month after the award-winning airline added Sofia as another point in its European network. Oslo also became destination number 107 in the airline's global route map and the 27th city served by Qatar Airways in Europe, a continent now representing 25% of the airline's international reach. Flight QR953 touched down at Oslo International Airport to a traditional water salute welcome, followed by a ceremony attended by airport and government officials, together with members of the local business community and travel trade. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker led a high-profile delegation, including Norway's Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Her Excellency Ase Elin Bjerke, and international media on the inaugural non-stop flight from the airline's operational hub of Doha, capital of the State of Qatar. “Qatar Airways has reached yet another key milestone in Europe, with Oslo becoming our seventh European destination launched so far this year,” said Al Baker on arrival in the Norwegian capital. “We are delighted to add this vibrant, scenic city of Oslo to our global route network, further strengthening our operations in Scandinavia and clearly proving how important this dynamic travel market is for Qatar Airways. We now operate 19 flights a week across three Scandinavian cities making Qatar Airways the biggest Gulf carrier in the Nordic market,” he added. “We look forward to bringing visitors from around the world to this diverse cultural city and to the great leisure and business destinations in the region. Norway has limitless attractions of mountains and fjords, a great magnet for tourists from around the world to experience and enjoy,” added Al Baker. BM
