Date: 28/01/05
Source: City of Cape Town Communications
Title: Samuels: Cape Town Welcomes Qatar Airways

SPEECH NOTES BY EXECUTIVE DEPUTY MAYOR, GAWA SAMUELS, AT THE WELCOMING FUNCTION OF QATAR AIRWAYS AT CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON FRIDAY, 28 JANUARY 2005 AT 19:25


CAPE TOWN WELCOMES QATAR AIRWAYS

Honoured guests,

We are indeed honoured by the presence of Mr Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, who is also the head of Tourism in Doha, Qatar. We know that Doha is the capital of your country, which is situated halfway along the West Coast of the Arabian Gulf.

I understand that your airline is the first Middle Eastern Airways offering a direct online service to and from Cape Town. The history of your airline is very impressive! You have become one of the world’s fastest growing airlines since it was re-launched in 1997, under the leadership of Mr Akbar Al Baker.

At the end of 2003 your airlines were flying to 49 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and the Far East. By the end of 2005 you will be flying to at least 60 destinations. Your long-term goals for the increase to 52 airbus aircraft and 2 super jumbos by 2008/2009 is an excellent example of planning and vision.

I understand that you are also building a new state-of-the-art airport, at a cost of US $2.5 billion, which will be completed by 2015.

I was very impressed by the mission of Qatar Airways, namely: 1 Put Safety first
2 Are customer focussed
3 Are committed to people
4 Are culturally aware
5 Are financially strong
Ladies and gentlemen, we regard Cape Town as a world-class city.

At business level, Cape Town contributes 11% towards our national economy.

This airport is growing tremendously. Allow me to give you some figures: 1 Last year was an all-time record, when Cape Town International Airport handled 6 million passengers.

2 Currently they are busy with a r100 m. project to expand the parking facilities.

3 During December 2004, this airport handled 600000 passengers - 15% more than during December 2003.

4 International passengers increased by 13% from December 2003 to December 2004.

The main reason is because Cape Town has been rated as the most popular tourist destiny in South Africa.

Ladies and gentlemen, mentioning these figures, we are creating new job opportunities. In this city, we have a desire to look after the interest of each and every citizen, especially the disadvantaged and the poor.

With this step, taken by Qatar Airways, we are further going to strengthen the ties between Cape Town and your country.

My dream is that your airline will benefit from this step and that your beautiful aeroplanes will be a regular sight on our landing strips.

We all know that tourism, which is a people-orientated industry, creates endless opportunities.

I was impressed reading about Qatar’s tourist attractions, such as the Sealine Resort, the Palm Tree Island, Kingdom of Aladdin, Al Bida Park, etc. etc. It must be a wonderful experience to visit your beautiful country.

Mr Akbar Al Baker, thank you for your trust in our country.

My wish is that you will return home with good memories.

Mr Akbar Al Baker in the words of Winston Churchill, when he said: - quote - “Give us the tools and we will finish the job” - unquote - You have given us another tool today to strengthen our young democracy.
Thank you and Welcome.