Qatar Airways boosts business class capacity to Johannesburg

Qatar Airways has said it is boosting its premium offering to Johannesburg by increasing its Business Class seat capacity by nearly 40% for the busy winter season.The daily Boeing 777 wide-body service will now provide 42 Business Class seats and complement the airline’s second daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner with its 22 Business Class seats between Doha and South Africa’s biggest metropolis, Johannesburg.The move comes in view of increasing customer demand, the Doha-based carrier has said in a press statement.“The introduction of this Boeing 777 will offer passengers from Johannesburg, and those travelling to the city from Qatar Airways’ global network, an opportunity to experience the World’s Best Business Class,” the statement noted.“Qatar Airways was voted by millions of passengers at the Skytrax 2016 Awards for offering the World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East. These accolades are a reflection of Qatar Airways’ end-to-end superior service providing passengers with unforgettable flight experiences.”Qatar Airways senior vice-president for Africa, Middle East & Pakistan Ehab Amin said, “We have seen very strong demand for our Johannesburg service since the launch of this route in 2005, especially in the premium cabins. We celebrated our 10th anniversary in Johannesburg last year, and over the last decade demand for Qatar Airways flights has grown. Last year, we increased frequencies to the city from 10 flights a week to double-daily flights. The additional service to Johannesburg reflects the growing demand for travel to and from this popular destination.“Doha’s Hamad International Airport is well positioned as a gateway to destinations across continents and our Business Class passengers from Johannesburg can experience the award-winning Al Mourjan Business Lounge while transferring at the airport to go to any Qatar Airways global destination.”The Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha offers facilities such as a dedicated family room, games room for children, quiet room with individual and double occupancy resting areas, shower facilities and a business centre offering 24/7 secretarial services, among others.