While global carriers scramble to trim and reorganise their networks, Qatar Airways has announced bold expansion plans including new services to Australia and expanded operations in India andEurope.

Chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways’ robust expansion is continuing undeterred by the current economic climate.”

“Sydney and Melbourne have been on our radar screen for many years. We can finally look forward to entering the Australian market with vigour as we will have the aircraft to serve this highly popular market non-stop from Doha.”

Once regulatory approval is given, the Australian services will begin utilising B777-200 LR aircraft.

The carrier is also launching new services to Goa and Amritsar in India, and two new European services are planned within the next nine months but not as yet finalised.

And, beginning 30 March, Qatar will begin between daily non-stop service between Doha and Houston with two B777-200LRs which it took delivery of over the last two months. The carrier has an average delivery rate of one aircraft per month.

“Our tremendous growth is part of a long-term strategy to significantly build up our portfolio of routes and fleet size,” said Al Baker.

“Qatar Airways continually identifies new opportunities around the world to better serve the travelling public and is able to easily shift capacity according to market conditions. As a network hub airline, Qatar Airways does not rely on traffic from any specific markets, so we are largely immune from the circumstances surrounding the current global economic meltdown.

“Qatar Airways is well poised to face the challenges ahead. We have a longterm vision demonstrated by today’s announcement to build on our highly successful young operation – a remarkable feat for an airline which launched just 12 years ago.”

In addition to the route expansion, Qatar Airways is gradually increasing capacity from end-March to eight cities – Geneva, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Lagos, Muscat, Mashad (Iran), Tunis and Algiers. The frequency increases will see the Philippines capital of Manila being served with two daily flights, up from the current 11 services a week; Nigeria’s commercial capital of Lagos going from five services a week to daily; and capacity to the Omani capital of Muscat rising from 15 to 21 flights a week.