Qatar Airways take you inside their incredibly luxurious private jet line. Courtesy Qatar Airways

QATAR Airways will commence daily flights to and from Adelaide from May in a major boost to the state’s tourism industry.

The airline named 2015 Best Airline in the World, based out of the world’s richest nation, will generate $41 million for the economy and create 228 jobs across the state according to Tourism Minister Leon Bignell.

Tuesday’s announcement follows Cathay Pacific revealing it will increase capacity by 25 per cent from December 2 with a fifth weekly service.

Adelaide Airport managing director Mark Young said Qatar Airway’s decision was excellent news for the tourism industry and South Australians travelling abroad.

“The Qatar Airways Doha-Adelaide service opens up a brand new link with the Middle East,

and provides excellent connections further afield such as with Europe and the UK,” he said.

“Qatar Airways will be flying the new-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft which made its

inaugural commercial flight just this year, so we’re getting one of the most technologically

advanced twin-engine aircraft in the world.”

The Qatar services will add to international services now operating out of Adelaide Airport which include Cathay, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Emirates, Virgin Australia and Malaysian Airlines — but not Qantas which only does domestic flights.

Qatar Airways connects to more than 150 destinations giving travellers greater choice in making connections and also the convenience of flying directly home to South Australia.

The flights from the Qatar capital Doha will arrive in Adelaide at 4.25pm and depart Adelaide at 9.30pm.

As part of the oneworld airline alliance, Qatar passengers can earn Qantas frequent flyer points on the airline.

Qatar Airways positions itself as ‘the world’s five star airline’ as it competes with larger fellow Middle East airlines Emirates and Etihad.

Emirates has been flying daily into Adelaide since January 2013.

Mr Bignell said the Qatar deal will boost trade opportunities.

“Adelaide is famous for its premium food and wine and the daily Qatar flight will mean more

people from right around the world will be able to fly here to experience our magnificent wildlife and natural beauty,” he said.

“The state’s seafood industry will also be a big winner with departing flights carrying the world’s

finest lobster and other seafood as fresh cargo to Qatar and beyond.”

The government has not released any details of incentives for the deal, saying they are commercial-in-confidence.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker said the route demonstrated the airline’s expanding commitment to the Australian market.

“Tourism is the major economic driver in South Australia and Qatar Airways arrives in Adelaide at a time when tourists and business travellers are looking for even more travel options, as well as superior service levels that set new benchmarks,” he said.