Qatar Airways has celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight to Adelaide on May 3 with a gala dinner event attended by the “creme de la creme” of South Australian society.
The evening was hosted by Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar al-Baker, with Governor of South Australia Hieu Van Le and Lord Mayor of Adelaide Martin Haese gracing the occasion with their presence. The airline also welcomed Minister of Tourism South Australia Leon Bignell, Adelaide Airport managing director Mark Young and CEO of South Australia Tourism Commission Rodney Harrex to the celebration.
The crowd enjoyed a line-up of entertainment, starting with an opening sequence choreographed by renowned Australian dancer Marko Panzic, star of So You Think You Can Dance. The evening continued with a performance from X-Factor duo Matt Price and Jess Dunbar, which was followed by a double act from Australian singing stars, Bonnie Anderson and Kate Ceberano, performing together for the first time at the Qatar Airways celebration event.
The Master of Ceremonies and one of South Australia’s most recognised TV and radio presenters, Belinda Heggen, added a further touch of glamour to the night’s proceedings.
Al-Baker said: “I am very happy to be here celebrating the launch of our flights to Adelaide, our fourth gateway into Australia. We have a special relationship with the people of Australia and I am pleased to be able to offer them an additional service connecting them to the Middle East, Europe and beyond.
“It is also my special pleasure to be the first airline to bring the A350 to Australian travellers who will benefit from this new-generation aircraft’s modern technology and ultimate passenger comfort.”
The daily flight schedule is as follows: QR914 departing Doha at 9.30pm and arriving in Adelaide at 5pm (next day); and QR915 departing Adelaide at 9.25pm and arriving in Doha at 4.50am (next day).