Hamad International Airport announced the enhancement of air connectivity with China, by launching direct flights to the Chinese city of Shenzhen, which is operated by Shenzhen Airlines. This new route represents the airport’s ninth destination in the Republic of China and the first destination for Shenzhen Airlines in the Middle East.
As of yesterday, Schengen Airlines began operating the new Doha-Schengen route with three flights per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The service is operated using Shenzhen Airlines’ Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which offers 300 seats in business class, premium economy class and economy class. The aircraft also has 16 seats in business class, 23 seats in premium economy class, and 261 seats in economy class.
After the Shenzhen Airlines plane landed at Hamad International Airport, the airport held a welcoming ceremony to celebrate the launch of the new flights, in which Mr. Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, received His Excellency Mr. Cao Xiaolin, Chinese Ambassador to the State of Qatar, and Mr. Li Chuanwei, Member of the Board of Directors and Vice President of Shenzhen Airlines, and a group of distinguished guests from Qatar and China. The ceremony included a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony and the exchange of gifts, which is considered the culmination of the growing partnership between the two countries.
Commenting on this new partnership, Mr. Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: “The launch of Schengen Airlines flights on the new Doha-Schengen route, which is considered its first destination across the Middle East, enhances air connectivity between Qatar and Qatar. China provides more travel options for travelers and contributes to supporting economic growth. Air traffic between Qatar and China has witnessed remarkable growth, increasing by nearly 100 percent in the past year, reflecting the increasing levels of travel between our two countries. We look forward to a lasting and successful partnership with Shenzhen Airlines and are committed to providing the highest levels of service and support.”
Shenzhen Airlines, which was established in 1992, operates an air fleet of more than 200 aircraft, through which it connects a group of major Chinese cities with major international destinations in East Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe. Having been a member of the Star Alliance since 2012, Shenzhen Airlines is constantly expanding its global network, while operating its service to Doha represents an important step in connecting China to more destinations around the world.
Shenzhen, often known as China’s “Silicon Valley,” is a global center for technology, trade, and international finance, and includes major global companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI. Its strategic location in Guangdong Province, located opposite Hong Kong, makes it a vital center for economic and technological growth. The new Doha-Schengen route will enhance cooperation between the two cities, support bilateral trade relations and contribute to stimulating economic activity in both regions.
Since its opening in 2014, Hamad International Airport has become a global aviation hub, continuously expanding and enhancing its network. The recent partnerships concluded by the airport reflect Qatar’s commitment to enhancing its tourism offerings, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Hamad International Airport’s innovative air service development strategy is considered a pivotal element in attracting many airlines and launching new air routes, which always enhances the airport’s position. As a major gateway and vital hub for global aviation.
