Sydney, NSW -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/18/2009 -- Much-award Qatar Airways will fly to Australia for the first time on December 6 and to mark the start of services, local discount flight site, Direct Flights, is offering earlybird return flights to Europe next year from $1558, including taxes.

Qatar was this year awarded the maximum five stars by the Skytrax aviation monitoring agency for its service and standards and its Economy Class cabin and service was voted the world’s best. Qatar (pronounced ‘ka-tar’) was also ranked as the best airline in the Middle East for the fourth year running.

Qatar recently revamped its economy cabin, with an above average seat space pitch of 34 inches, offering more leg room, and making its meal service more stylish.

Qatar will launch services from Melbourne to Europe via Doha – the capital of Qatar, which is near the United Arab Emirates – on December 6 with services to Sydney planned in 2010.

Australian discount flight agency, www.directflights.com.au, is offering earlybird fares with Qatar from Melbourne (fares include taxes):

Return from Melbourne to:
Athens from $1558
Rome from $1596
Frankfurt from $1619
Paris from $1639
London from $1705

The discount earlybird fares are on sale via www.directflights.com.au until December 20, 2009, with no extra booking fees charged. The fares are for travel from January 17 to June 30, 2010 *

Direct Flights customers can also reserve discount accommodation, transfers, car hire, tours and attractions in Europe while booking their flights online.

* Fares are subject to availability and increases in taxes and fuel charges. Conditions apply.

Media contact: Andrew Mevissen, Peak PR, 0431 883 057 or: amev@bigpond.net.au