The Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker, has hinted that the airline is considering further expansion into the UK from its Doha hub of Hamad International.

Speaking at the Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum which is taking place in both London and Birmingham this week, Al Baker commented on the leading role that aviation plays in the expanding business landscape relationship between the two countries, and hinted towards a further commitment to the UK economy with a potential expansion to two new UK destinations.

Qatar Airways currently flies more than 70 times weekly into the UK, including London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

The event included a roundtable meeting with UK Prime Minister Ms. Theresa May and was attended by senior Qatar and UK political representatives such as the UK’s Secretary of State for International Trade, Dr. Liam Fox and Qatar’s Minister of Transport and Communication, His Excellency Mr. Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti and Minister of Finance, His Excellency Mr. Ali Shareef Al Emadi. The forum also featured an impressive gala dinner attended by His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex and his wife, Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex.

H.E. H.E Mr. Al Baker spoke alongside other leading speakers such as H.E. Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health and H.E. Dr. Hassan Al Darhem, President, Qatar University. Qatar Airways works with many British companies such as Rolls Royce contributing to both investment and employment opportunities.

Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are proud of the part we play in encouraging trade between the UK and Qatar with more than 70 flights each week between the State of Qatar and destinations in the UK such as London Heathrow, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester. In addition, London is home to the headquarters of International Airlines Group (IAG), of which we are a proud shareholder and the UK will also be the very first market to which we will fly our recently launched Qsuite this summer, bringing First to Business Class, a direct reflection of the importance we place upon the Qatar – UK relationship.”

qatarairways.com