Qatar Airways starts Mozambique flights 

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Qatar Airways has launched scheduled flights to Mozambique, its latest foray on the African continent and 10th new route of the year.

The carrier's inaugural flight to Mozambique's capital city of Maputo arrived to a water salute at the city's international airport.

The Doha-based airlines inaugurated the first of three weekly services to the country's capital city of Maputo, the gateway to Mozambique's rich natural resources and a source for strong business.

The launch is further testament to Qatar Airways' strategy to operate to underserved markets that have huge potential for scheduled international flights. Qatar Airways is the first and only airline from the Middle East flying to Mozambique, which becomes its 19th gateway across the African continent.

A ceremony followed Flight QR584's landing in Maputo, attended by more than 80 local dignitaries and media.

Guests on the inaugural flight to the former Portuguese colony included Cristiano dos Santos, Consul-General of the Republic of Mozambique to UAE, responsible for Qatar; and Salem Abdullah Sultan Al Jaber, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar's Embassy in South Africa with responsibility for Mozambique.

The arrival ceremony at Maputo International Airport was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Mozambique's Minister of Transportation and Communication Paulo Zucula, Mozambique Airports Authority CEO Manuel Veterano and Mozambique Civil Aviation CEO Afonso Sande Cuinhane.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said the latest route marked yet another significant milestone for the award-winning airline.

"With the discovery of large reserves of natural gas, Mozambique is today emerging to be one of the fastest growing economies in the region," he said. "With this in mind, Qatar Airways always looks to open up air travel markets which are underserved - and Mozambique is an example of this."