Award-winning airline continues rapid expansion of its global route network, adding new destinations through 2017 and into 2018
Qatar Airways marked the start of its new direct non-stop service from Doha to Chiang Mai at Chiang Mai International Airport after its first flight was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute.
The newly-launched seasonal service to Thailand’s second biggest city will operate a four times-weekly schedule from Doha, with a flight time of just over six hours.
Qatar’s Minister of Transport and Communications, HE Jassim bin Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti travelled on board the inaugural flight with Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker, and Thailand ambassador Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum.
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, the group was received by Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports HE Weerasak Kowsurat; Chiang Mai governor Pawin Chamniprasart; executive vice president and Chiang Mai International Airport general manager, squadron leader Monthanik Rakngam; Thailand’s Tourism Authority governor Yuthasak Supasorn and deputy governor for International Marketing Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Americas Srisuda Wanapinyosak.
“Today’s inaugural flight to historic Chiang Mai marks further growth in the already strong bonds between Qatar and Thailand. I am very proud that our national flag carrier, Qatar Airways, now flies to four beautiful destinations in Thailand and will soon add its fifth with Pattaya joining their global network in January,” HE al-Sulaiti said.
“The increase in business, tourism and trade between our two nations that these flights support cannot be underestimated and it gives me great pleasure to celebrate with the people of Chiang Mai on this occasion,” he added.
Qatar Airways will operate the new four-times-a -week service to Chiang Mai with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which features 24 seats in Business Class and 236 seats in Economy Class. Passengers will be able to enjoy the airline’s superior entertainment system, offering up to 4,000 entertainment options. The seasonal service will operate from 12 December until May 2018, and will resume once again for the Winter 2018 season in October 2018.
Al-Baker said they are excited to be adding historic Chiang Mai as their fourth destination in Thailand to the airline’s extensive global route network.
“Thailand continues to grow in popularity with holiday-makers seeking to explore and relax in this beautiful country. The new route we have launched today reflects the increasing demand from our customers across our network for more high-quality leisure destinations, especially in the Far East,” he noted.
According to al-Baker, with the choice of four flights a week, passengers travelling from Chiang Mai are now connected seamlessly to more than 150 destinations, via Qatar Airways’ state-of-the-art hub in Doha.
“Next year we will add a fifth Thai destination to our network when we expand our services to include Pattaya, starting January 28, 2018,” he stressed.
Chaiyindeepum echoed al-Sulaiti and al-Baker’s statement saying that Qatar Airway’s new direct service to wonderful Chiang Mai strengthens the deep and strong bonds of friendship that exist between the people of Qatar and Thailand.
He noted that this new route will further enhance the relationship between the two countries, connecting Chiang Mai to Qatar Airways’ extensive global network and helping to open up and develop new markets for business and leisure travellers from around the world.
“We look forward to welcoming business travellers and holiday-makers to beautiful Chiang Mai so they can experience authentic Thai hospitality and enjoy the history and beautiful and tranquil surroundings of Thailand’s second largest city,” the envoy added.
As Thailand's second largest city, Chiang Mai is well known for its relaxed lifestyle and laid back attitude. It has a long and revered history going back to the medieval period, during which many of the city’s hundreds of ancient and beautiful temples were built.