Qatar Airways makes aviation history with first Mid.East-US direct flight
By Aftab H. Kola l eTN Middle East
It was a first direct connection to US from any Middle Eastern nation. When Qatar Airways touched the tarmac of Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC on Thursday it made sort of a history.
It was a first direct connection to US from any Middle Eastern nation.
When Qatar Airways touched the tarmac of Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC on Thursday it made sort of a history. The airline was welcomed with a "fireman's salute" water-arch ceremony and a fanfare of music and entertainment. The journey took 14 non-stop hours.
With daily flights to Washington DC, the city takes its place as the 78th international destination served by Qatar Airways.
The new service followed quickly on the heels of Qatar Airways' highly successful launch of flights to New York (Newark) on June 26.
"This is another historic first for Qatar Airways as we opened two major gateways. I feel honored to see the national carrier of my country making its mark in North America for the second time in only three weeks," said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker. "Our determination and endeavor to open services to these two major American cities will soon be fulfilled. I would like to thank the authorities in both the United States and Qatar for making our historic second American route a reality.''
He added: "We are the only Middle East carrier flying to Newark Liberty International Airport and the only one offering daily nonstop service to Dulles International Airport, providing our passengers from across the Gulf countries and feeder markets in the Indian subcontinent with excellent onward connections across the USA."
Qatar Airways' award winning five star service will bridge the capital of Qatar and the US government center daily using the carrier's state-of-the-art Airbus A340 aircraft in a three-class configuration.
July 23, 2007
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