KUALA LUMPUR: Qatar Airways will expand its service network in phases, depending on passenger demand evolution and expected relaxation of entry restrictions globally.
The state-owned flag carrier of Qatar said it will closely monitor global passenger flows and booking trends to begin planning the gradual reintroduction of additional flights and destinations to its network.
The gradual expansion will focus initially on strengthening connections between the airline's hub in Doha with the global hubs of its partner airlines globally including London, Chicago, Dallas and Hong Kong along with reopening many major business and leisure destinations such as Madrid and Mumbai.
Having maintained flights to at least 30 destinations during this Covid-19 crisis, Qatar Airways had transported over one million people home.
Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said the airline's passengers had been its focus throughout the pandemic as the carrier has implemented hygiene practices and commercial policies, enabling passengers to book and travel with confidence.
"We have maintained a flexible and agile network to help take over one million people home through our hub in Doha, while transporting more than 100,000 tonnes of essential medical and aid supplies to where they are needed," he said in a statement recently.
Al Baker said the airline would continue to focus on its mission to enable mobility for its customers and provide them with seamless connectivity to their final destination.
"We have built a strong level of trust with passengers, governments, trade and airports as a reliable partner during this crisis and we intend to continue delivering on this mission as we gradually expand our network," he said.
Qatar Airways said the current situation remains hugely dynamic with entry restrictions constantly evolving, citing that "accurately" predicting future travel is challenging.
The carrier believes short haul travel will rebound first and subsequently business between large global cities will pick up more gradually and there will be a move towards visiting family and friends following months of lockdowns.
Qatar Airways it will take full advantage of its diverse and efficient fleet with the right aircraft size to ensure the best fit for expected demand on each planned route.
The airline said it plans to grow its network back to over 50 destinations, resuming services to cities such as Manila, Amman, and Nairobi. A further number of destinations are planned to be added by the end of June.
It also aims to have 80 destinations in the schedule including 23 in Europe, four in the Americas, 20 in Middle East/Africa and 33 in Asia-Pacific by end of June, 2020.
Qatar Airways said many cities will be served with a strong schedule with daily or more frequencies.
Currently the airline continues to operate flights to more than 30 destinations globally.