Traditional Keralite reception for Doha-Kozhikode flight

Kozhikode: Qatar Airways Flight QR 1284 took off from Doha yesterday at 1.10am Doha time and landed in Kozhikode (formerly known as Calicut) at 8am to a traditional Keralite reception, marking its inaugural flight to the bustling south Indian city.
It is the third destination of the airways to the state, ninth to India and 83rd worldwide.
Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways flew with the international media on its maiden flight to Kozhikode. The Airbus A-320 also carried its first batch of passengers. The aircraft can accommodate 132 economy class and 12 business class passengers.
The four-hour non-stop flight connecting yet another destination in Kerala to the region will fly daily. The airline, in its endeavour to make Doha a major aviation hub in the region, is planning to add new aircraft to its fleet.
There was festivity in the air as Captain Alvaros made a perfect touchdown. Young women clad in Kasavu saris of cream and gold, with jasmine flowers adorning their hair welcomed the invited guests and dignitaries. The hall at the airport where the ceremony took place was decorated with 'poo kalam' – the traditional carpet of fresh flowers Kerala is famous for.
17/06/08 Pratibha Umashankar/Khaleej Times, United Arab Emirates

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Categories: Airports Jun 2008, Foreign Jun 2008