AU Qatar Airways Adelaide

Image credit: Qatar Airways

South Australian producers are expected to benefit from the Qatar Airways direct service from Doha to Adelaide, launched 3 May 2016.

Adelaide Produce Collective exported almost three tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables on the Qatar Airways flight to Doha on 10 May, according to Fairfax Media, with exports to Dubai and Singapore expected in coming weeks.

“While South Australian products are sold for a higher price than exports from many other markets, they are of a higher quality in terms of nutritional value and freshness thanks to the increasing number of direct flights,” Adelaide Produce Collective CEO Craig Katz told Fairfax.

“By highlighting this to international buyers, we can increase demand and showcase premium South Australian produce, worldwide.”

The daily flights are estimated to generate A$41m into the state’s economy, as well as benefit South Australia exporters, with South Australian tourism minister Leon Bignell the new service.

“The new daily direct service is a great opportunity for South Australia to further strengthen our growing international reputation as a must-see tourism destination,” Bignell said. “Not only will the Qatar Airways flights bring tourists to South Australia, but the return flights present the chance to fill the A350-900’s cargo holds with as much as 80 tonnes of premium South Australian produce.”