How is Qatar Airways performing in France?
Éric Didier - We are recording double-digit growth for this country, both in terms of passenger traffic and sales: we are therefore growing faster than the market. We have been able to adapt our strategy to gain market share. Although Asia is the most dynamic sector today, Europe is making an increasingly important contribution to the company's development. As is the United States.
What are the company's plans for the French corporate market?
E. D. - We have launched two new programmes aimed at business customers: the MICE offer to make it easier to organise events, with specific fares, services and online tools, and a product aimed at small and medium-sized businesses that guarantees them advantageous fares tailored to their business volume. With this new product, companies whose volume of business does not allow them to set up a contract can now obtain net prices on a certain number of destinations. From a certain number of trips, these registered companies benefit from a net rate via their travel agency or directly, in the form of a percentage discount. This recently launched product is all the more interesting in the current economic climate. The other new feature is, of course, the development of the offer on the French market. Since 6 December, frequencies from Paris have been increased from sixteen to eighteen weekly flights, giving a total of twenty-one flights each week including departures from Nice.
What impact has the crisis had on the company?
E. D. - The crisis is undeniably with us. But over the period from April to September, despite the wait-and-see attitude linked to the presidential elections, people continued to travel, whether for business or pleasure. During the winter, as is usually the case at the end of the year, travel budgets are cut. But in our key markets - mainly the Middle East and Asia - given the major projects linked to the strong development of these regions, companies with an export focus that want to win new markets are obliged to travel. And our organisation, supported by a specific business sales department and a dedicated team, enables us to reach our corporate customers. To a certain extent, the crisis can be an opportunity for the company. In good times, companies can afford to opt for very expensive direct flights. At the moment, however, there is a need to save money, and our product with stopovers is gaining in recognition, especially as the high quality of our service and the optimisation of stopovers logically work in our favour.
What are Qatar Airways' next major international events?
E. D. - 2013 will be marked by the inauguration of the new Doha airport, the linchpin of a new era of development for the airline. It will be one of the best airports in the world, in terms of services and traffic flow within the hub. The other new feature concerns integration into the oneworld network. Qatar Airways will become the first Gulf carrier to join an alliance, offering improved routes and new services via alliance hubs.
