Qatar Airways launches new Doha to Edinburgh route

Any Scots in Qatar excited about this?

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A new non-stop flight between Edinburgh Airport and Doha in Qatar is to be launched next year.

The service will be operated five days a week by Qatar Airways, which serves more than 100 international destinations from Doha.

The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft will fly all year round on the route, which will provide connections to Australian hubs in Perth and Melbourne.

It will be the Dreamliner's first scheduled service from Scotland.

Scotland's Transport Minister Keith Brown hailed the move as "excellent news" for the aviation sector and said the new route was "yet more evidence of the strong bonds we are building with Qatar.

"The Scottish government has worked hard to foster links with the Gulf States, promoting Scotland as a market leader in oil and gas and a great place to do business.

"Direct services make Scotland a more attractive destination for both tourists and businesses by removing the need for extra connecting flights. This not only helps the economy by boosting tourism, but also encourages overseas trade and investment.

"The eyes of the world will turn to Scotland in 2014 with a programme of events that includes the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and a second Year of Homecoming and we are keen to share these exciting times with our friends around the world."

Source: BBC | Image: Andy Pal in QL Flickr Group