Gulf hub carrier, Qatar Airways has taken no time to confirm its highly anticipated growth into the Sydney market following the renegotiation of the bilateral Air Service Agreement (ASA) between Australia and Qatar this month. The airline will introduce a daily Doha – Sydney service from March 1, 2016, using a Boeing 777-300ER, complementing its existing daily links from its Hamad International Airport hub to Melbourne and Perth.

The Qatari and Australian governments this month announced they had expanded the current bilaterals between the countries, allowing 50 per cent more flights on the Australia-Qatar route with immediate effect. The agreement will allow for up to 21 flights each week, each way, for airlines of both countries to the major gateways of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The new arrangement also provides unlimited services from Qatar to secondary/regional ports including Darwin, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and Cairns.

“We are delighted to debut our daily Sydney flights next March. The expansion of our Australia services will undoubtedly boost and strengthen the trade and commercial links that exist between Qatar and Australia, setting the stage for even more robust partnership opportunities in the near future,” said His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, chief executive officer, Qatar Airways Group.

Australia, with its landscape of idyllic beaches and famous interior, along with its rich history and culture, draws millions of visitors each year. The most populous city of Sydney, with its ocean-side location, sandy beaches, and iconic attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge is one of Australia’s and the world’s top business and tourist destinations, and Sydney will undoubtedly be a popular addition to Qatar Airways’ rapidly growing network.

Its entry into the Sydney market will enable Qatar Airways to put extra pressure on fellow oneworld alliance member Qantas, which has a partnership with Gulf rival Emirates Airline, as well as fellow United Arab Emirates (UAE) operator, Etihad Airways. Alongside the direct competition, Qatar Airways will also impact flows in the popular Europe – Australia market of other international carriers, most notably Cathay Pacific Airways, China Southern Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

"The new daily service will significantly boost inbound tourism to New South Wales (NSW), as well as create an estimated 3,000 jobs, including 2,500 in NSW, and contribute over $240 million to the Australian economy. Qatar Airways' service will also provide greater air cargo access to the Middle East and the growing Qatar market, which is great for NSW exports," Kerrie Mather, managing director and chief executive officer, Sydney Airport.