Qatar Airways has touched down in the picturesque French city of Lyon for the first time, with its inaugural flight operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
The Qatari flag carrier will now operate its direct service to Lyon with four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
The addition of the new service boosts Qatar Airways’ presence in France and further solidifies the airline’s global network, which now boasts over 160 destinations.
A warm welcome in Business and Economy Class
Passengers aboard the inaugural flight were treated to a delightful experience in both Business Class and Economy Class.
Greeted with traditional French delicacies, they were also offered a curated menu featuring premium French cuisine, adding a touch of luxury to their journey.
The Director of Commercial and Marketing of the Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport, M. Pierre Grosmaire, and Qatar Airways Vice President of Sales, Europe, Mr. Eric Odone, warmly welcomed the inaugural flight from Doha.
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Lyon becomes third French destination
Lyon holds a special place in Qatar Airways’ heart as it becomes the airline’s third destination in France, alongside Paris and Nice.
Fondly known as the culinary capital of France, this charming city boasts numerous Michelin star-certified restaurants, offering gastronomic delights that are sure to please any food enthusiast.
But that’s not all; Lyon also has a rich cinematic heritage as the birthplace of cinema, making it a haven for film lovers.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon beckons travelers to experience unforgettable culinary journeys and film festivals celebrating the silver screen.
Flying in Comfort: Boeing 787-8
The new direct service to Lyon operates on a Boeing 787-8, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious journey for passengers.
With 22 Business Class seats and 232 Economy Class seats, the aircraft provides ample space for travelers to relax and enjoy their flight.
Moreover, the city serves as a prime gateway to explore the nearby Alpine mountainous range, offering nature enthusiasts an added incentive to visit.
Qatar Airways’ Commitment to France
His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, the Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, expressed his delight at the launch of this new flight to Lyon.
“I am delighted to announce the launch of Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to the renowned French city of Lyon. Qatar and France mutually benefit from a longstanding strategic partnership in various fields, including diplomacy, trade, and tourism,” he said.
Further acknowledging the long-standing connection between the two nations, he emphasized the significance of the expanded network in France as a testament to their successful cooperation.
His Excellency looks forward to welcoming French and European passengers to Qatar Airways, offering seamless and captivating journeys to over 160 global destinations via their hub, Hamad International Airport.
Strengthening Lyon’s appeal
Tanguy Bertolus, Chairman of the Management Board of Aéroports de Lyon, also highlighted the importance of this new international connection. He praised VINCI Airports’ expertise in developing new routes and maintaining strong relationships with various airlines.
The direct service between Lyon and Qatar not only enhances the appeal of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region but also provides travelers with more options to and from the Middle East and Asia, particularly in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand.
