More than 500 guests gathered with government ministers of the State of Qatar, Qatar Group executives and the media to witness the monumental moment of the A380 super-jumbo’s first landing in Doha, Qatar, in September. The aircraft departed from Hamburg, Germany, and landed at Hamad International Airport, Doha, on 18th September at 5PM local time. The ceremony was dramatically set next to the airport’s maintenance hangar, the largest in the world. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani opened the ceremony by symbolically drawing a curtain to unveil the great A380.
Following the opening, a variety of entertainment, including dance troupes and live performances, charmed the guests, who were also invited to join a tour of the enormous five-star aircraft. Special guests included FC Barcelona General Director Mr. Antoni Rossich, FC Barcelona former captain Carles Puyol and FC Barcelona player Luis Suarez.
The Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, mentioned this event was a moment of great pride for the State of Qatar and the national airline. Starting operations in 1997 with only four aircraft operating 14 regional routes, Qatar Airways has shown rapid expansion and now operates 137 aircraft to 144 destinations across six continents. According to Mr. Al Baker, the massive 517-seat A380 would facilitate long-haul traffic. The aircraft is fully equipped with luxurious facilities, including a premium lounge and fully reclining seats for First Class.
