Qatar Airways’ first non-stop flight from Doha to St. Petersburg landed earlier at Pulkovo Airport, marking the airline’s second gateway in Russia.
Qatar Airways flight QR279, today operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing B787 Dreamliner, departed Hamad International Airport at 07:30, and arrived at Pulkovo Airport at 13:50.
Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “I am delighted to touch down today on board our first commercial flight to St. Petersburg.
“Following the great success of our Moscow route, we are extremely happy to extend our reach into Russia.
“By launching this new route, we are committing to further supporting the Russian market, and providing inbound and outbound passengers a seamless journey through the skies.”
St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city after Moscow, is considered an important Russian port on the Baltic Sea.
The culturally diverse city is filled with historical architectural gems, including the Winter Palace and the Kazan Cathedral.
Pulkovo Airport chief executive, Vladimir Yakushev, said: “The launch of Qatar Airways service from Doha to Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport represents new extraordinary possibilities for the city’s business and leisure travel market.
“With the exquisite product offered by the airline, St. Petersburg will receive a boost of both inbound and outbound tourism once connected to Qatar Airways’ worldwide route network via one of the most vibrant global air hubs, Hamad International Airport, in Doha.”
In future, Qatar Airways will operate its daily St. Petersburg service with an Airbus A320 aircraft, which features 12 flatbed seats in business class and 120 seats in economy class.