Newstrack

Qatar Airways touches down in Washington DC

Only Middle East carrier to serve Washington every day non-stop

EAW Staff - Mumbai

Qatar Airways' expansion into North America took another major step as the airline's maiden flight to Washington DC touched down at Dulles International Airport recently. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker was accompanied on the inaugural flight by a high-level delegation of officials, senior airport officials and local dignitaries.

Speaking on arrival in Washington, Al Baker said, "Three weeks ago, Qatar Airways took its first historic steps into the vitally important US market with flights to New York. This evening we are celebrating our second US route, with our new direct non-stop flights to Washington DC. It's been a long time coming and we are finally here."

The second route to the United States, according to Al Baker will bridge the capitals of both countries (US and Qatar) and help boost the tourism industry in the capital by bringing in both, business and leisure visitors from around the world. "Our passengers from across the Gulf countries and feeder markets in the Indian subcontinent will have excellent onward connections across the USA via our Washington and New York services," he added.

Both Washington and New York are part of the airline's expansion strategy during 2007, which has already seen the airline launch services to Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Chennai and Geneva. On November 27, the carrier launches services to the Swedish capital, Stockholm Qatar Airways, one of the world's fastest growing airlines, currently operates a modern fleet of 58 all-Airbus aircraft. The fleet size is set to almost double to 110 aircraft by 2015.