Qatar Airways Announces Partnership with Saudi Al-Ahli Football Club

Doha, October 12 (QNA) - Qatar Airways has today proudly announced a partnership of three seasons with the Al-Ahli Football Club in Saudi Arabia, as official club sponsor. At a press conference this morning, and in the presence of Prince Fahd bin Khaled bin Abdullah, the Chairman of Al-Ahli Football Club, and Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Honourary Member of the Al-Ahli Football Club, Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, officially announced the partnership and the reasons behind the collaboration. Prince Fahd bin Khaled bin Abdullah, the Chairman of Al-Ahli Football Club said: "Al Ahli Football Club is renowned for its pioneering role in the promotion of the sport in Saudi Arabia. Our partnership with Qatar Airways will support us in our continued journey to be the best in the Kingdom, and beyond." "Since 1937, the club has not only launched the careers of many notable footballers, but has also brought people closer together to enjoy this beautiful game," said His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Honourary Member of the Al-Ahli Football Club. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways: "Since its inception 77 years ago, the Al-Ahli Football Club has represented a key pillar in the community in Saudi Arabia. Like Qatar, Saudi Arabia has a long heritage of sporting excellence, and we are pleased to be supporting our neighbours as they use sport to strengthen their communities with the positive foundation that sport provides. "Qatar Airways has long developed strong ties with Saudi Arabia, operating flights to seven key destinations across the Kingdom, not to mention the exciting advent in the New Year of the launch of our brand new Saudi Arabian based airline, Al Maha Airways," said His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways currently operates 86 flights per week to seven destinations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, namely, Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Gassmin, Taif and Al Hofuf. Al Maha Airways is set to begin operating in the Saudi Arabian market in the New Year and will initially use a fleet of A320-200 aircraft for operations between Jeddah and Riyadh, before expansion to further domestic routes across the Kingdom. Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 17 years of operation, to the point where today it is flying a modern fleet of 137 aircraft to 144 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. The multi-award winning airline was awarded three accolades at Skytrax Awards 2014: World’s Best Business Class, Best Middle East Airline, and Best Business Class Lounge. It has also been named Airline of the Year by Skytrax, Air Transport News, and Business Aviation, and won Best Business Class and Best Airline for International Travel at the recent Business Travel Awards. (QNA)