Qatar Airways is adding a route to Japan – with the city of Osaka to gain a direct service between Doha to Kansai International Airport.
Qatar Airways Airbus A350-900 climbing out of Manchester Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
This will be Qatar Airways third destination in Japan – with the airline currently serving Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita. It will provide direct connectivity to the Central region of Japan.
The airline plans to start the service five times a week on the 6th April 2020, before going to a full daily from the 23rd June 2020.
Planned operation is as follows:
QR802 DEPART DOH 02:10 ARRIVE KIX 17:50KIX 359 x24 QR803 DEPART KIX 23:30 ARRIVE DOH 04:50+1DOH 359 x24 Commences 6th April 2020, Five times a week (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) Commences 23rd June 2020 as a daily service Booked Equipment: Qatar Airways Airbus A350-900 (Standard Configuration) Data: Qatar Airways
The airline is planning to use an Airbus A350-900 on this route, with 36 Business Class seats and 247 economy class seats – indicating this will use a standard configuration A350 as opposed to one with QSuites installed.
In Quotes
On the announcement, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive,Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said:
“We are truly delighted to be bringing our award-winning service to Osaka, adding this highly sought after Japanese destination to our global network. Osaka is a very important destination, and our service to the cosmopolitan city will enable us to provide a seamless journey for our passengers connecting from our extensive network of more than 160 destinations worldwide.”
A return to Osaka
Qatar Airways has served Osaka before – the last time was in 2016. It seem that either enough fleet capacity, or that the economy can support a third gateway is enough to bring the middle eastern airline back to the area. In terms of competing traffic, Qatar will face off against fellow carrier Emirates who operate a service there too.
For passengers (and for those who wish to avoid Tokyo), a direct link to Central Japan will be welcome – especially for those who want to wander beyond the big metropolises.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to the European reader.