Qatar Airways has inked an interline agreement with a carrier operating in the Indian Ocean region – the national airline of the Maldives.
In addition to taking a 25% stake in Southern African regional carrier Airlink, last week Qatar Airways also signed a new interline deal with Maldivian.
This further boosts the Middle East Airline’s influence in the Africa/Indian Ocean region.
QATAR AIRWAYS SPREADS ITS WINGS
Qatar Airways entered a second strategic agreement last week. This time, with the national carrier of the Maldives, Maldivian.
This interline agreement will boost connectivity and provide passengers with seamless access to various domestic destinations in the Maldives.
Such agreements allow passengers to change from one flight on one airline to another flight on another airline without having to gather their bags or check-in again.
Travellers heading to the Maldives can now book and seamlessly connect with flights throughout the island archipelago, with Qatar Airways and Maldivian.
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MALDIVIAN
The airline operates domestic services throughout the Maldives. It also offers international flights to India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Its fleet includes both seaplanes and wheelbase aircraft. Maldivian’s mixed fleet comprises Airbus A320, ATR 42/72, De Havilland Dash 8 wheelbase aircraft, and DHC Dash 6 Twin Otter seaplanes.
QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar operates three daily flights from Doha Hamad International Airport to Male’s Velana International Airport.
It uses both Airbus A320-200s or Boeing 777-300ERs on the route. Flights between Doha and Male take around four hours.
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BOOSTING MALDIVES TOURISM
This new interline agreement is expected to boost tourist flows to the Maldives.
It will facilitate connectivity to 17 domestic destinations in the Maldives, including Dharavandhoo, Faresmaathodaa, Funadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Gan, Hanimaadhoo, Ifuru, Maavarulu, Madivaru and eight others.
The small island state has seen an increase in visitor numbers for the first part of this year.
Ultimately, this is good news for the Maldives economy but it places strain on limited resources.
