Qatar Airways has added a new destination to its French network by launching a direct flight from Doha to Lyon. The inaugural flight took off on July 3rd, and the airline hopes that this new service will boost tourism in the region.

Celebrations on Inaugural Flight

Passengers on the inaugural flight were treated to a specially curated menu featuring premium French cuisine in all cabin classes. The airline marked the occasion with celebrations in both business and economy class, welcoming passengers with traditional French delicacies.

Partnership between Qatar and France

The Director of Commercial and Marketing of Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport, M. Pierre Grosmaire, and Qatar Airways Vice President of Sales, Europe, Mr Eric Odone, welcomed the inaugural flight from Doha. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr Akbar Al Baker, highlighted the longstanding strategic partnership between Qatar and France in various fields, including tourism, trade, and diplomacy.

Dreamliner for Doha-Lyon Flights

Qatar Airways will operate four flights a week between Doha and Lyon on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday using one of the carrier’s Boeing 787 aircraft. The aircraft features 22 business class and 232 economy class seats.

Attracting Tourists to Lyon

Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many tourists annually due to its architectural landmarks and culinary experiences. Qatar Airways hopes to attract more tourists to the region with this new service. Lyon also serves as a gateway to the nearby Alpine mountainous range, which is another reason for the airline’s interest in the destination.

Qatar Airways’ Presence in France

Lyon is Qatar Airways’ third destination in France, with the airline continuing its services to Paris and Nice. Qatar Airways recently brought back the Airbus A380 superjumbo on one of its Doha-Paris services during the peak summer season. The A380 service to Paris will operate on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Qatar Airways serves CDG triple daily this summer. Based on July’s first week, it is the airline’s second-most-served European destination.

Strengthening the Appeal of the Region

Chairman of the Management Board of Aéroports de Lyon, Tanguy Bertolus, believes that Qatar’s new flight adds to the appeal of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, as well as the Lyon metropolitan area, by offering more options to and from the Middle East and Asia, particularly in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand.

In conclusion, Qatar Airways’ new service to Lyon is a testament to the airline’s expanding presence in France and its commitment to providing its passengers with more destinations and travel options. The airline hopes that this new service will attract more visitors to the region and strengthen the partnership between Qatar and France.

What other destinations in France would you like to see Qatar Airways add to its network?

Also, you might be interested in reading: Qatar Airways Welcomes First New Airbus A350 After Long Wait