The Australian government has agreed with the Sultanate of Qatar to increase flight capacity between the two countries by 50 percent, a significant boon for both tourism and agricultural exports, Reuters reported.
´The changes, effective immediately, allow for up to 21 flights per week, each way, for airlines of both countries to the major gateways of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Airlines can also operate
unlimited services between Qatar and regional locations. Qatar Airways currently operates a daily service between Doha and both Melbourne and Perth.
Reuters quoted Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb as saying that the additional flight capacity would allow Australian businesses to quickly and efficiently move produce to global
markets.
"Airline connectivity plays a vital role in growing Australia's premium agricultural trade of fresh products like dairy, horticulture and meats," Robb said.
Robb added that he expected Qatar Airways to commence a daily service between Sydney and Doha. The airline could not immediately be reached for comment.
Nol van Fenema
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