Qatar Airways begins operations to and from Australia with a new Doha to Melbourne air route. The carrier thus adds one more continent to its rapidly expanding international network.

Melbourne becomes Qatar Airways’ 85th destination and its fourth new route in 2009. The award-winning airline plans to initiate flights to Sydney starting next year.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker was on board, leading a high-profile delegation on the maiden flight from Doha. Figures such as His Excellency Doug Trappett, the Australian Ambassador to the UAE and Qatar, as well as senior company executives and international media representatives were also on board.

For the Doha to Melbourne connection, Qatar Airways is operating its newest equipment, a Boeing 777-200LR delivered less than a month ago. The Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft features 42 seats in Business Class and 217 in Economy.

The route start with a frequency of three weekly flights scheduled for Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Honourable Tim Holding, Minister of Tourism and Major Events in the Victorian Government, officially welcomed Qatar Airways at Melbourne’s State Government Offices where a press conference was held fro the event.

Qatar Airways currently operates flights originating from Doha to importatn leisure and business destinations across Europe, Middle East, Far East, Africa, South Asia, North America and Australia.

Since its launch in 1997, the Middle Eastern airline has evolved into one of the world’s fastest growing carriers.

The new Doha to Melbourne flight arrives just ahead of the intense holiday season and symbolizes another year of growth at the airline.

In 2009, Qatar Airways also launched connections Houston in Texas and to both Goa and Amritsar in India.