Qatar
Airways’ inaugural flight to Chicago touched down at O’Hare
International Airport yesterday marking the airline’s fourth
gateway in the United States.
With
the launch of thrice-weekly passenger services between The Windy City
and Qatar Airways’ hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar,
Chicago becomes destination number 126 in the airline’s impressive
worldwide network.
Qatar
Airways now operates 24 passenger flights a week between the United
States and Doha – daily from New York, Washington DC and Houston
and the new thrice-weekly services from Chicago.
Effective
June 15, the Chicago – Doha route will increase to a daily service.
Qatar Airways also operates twice-weekly dedicated cargo flights
between the two cities, launched in August 2010.
The
maiden flight carried international media and airline management. The
new route offers a connection between Chicago and a vast number of
destinations across the Middle East, Africa, India and Asia Pacific
via Doha.
Al
Baker and Chicago airport authorities delivered speeches at O’Hare
International to mark the occasion, noting the economic impact of
Qatar Airways’ arrival in the city.
Al
Baker said, “With the local tourism industry receiving 50 million
visitors annually and Chicago being the headquarters of some of the
world’s biggest corporates, including Boeing, there are many
business opportunities linking our two cities and regions.
“Qatar
Airways today spreads its reach in North America and we are proud to
say that our commitments here will continue,” added Al Baker.
City
of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel sent a congratulatory message to Qatar
Airways, commenting: “Chicago is pleased to welcome Qatar Airways’
world-class service to our global gateway, O’Hare International
Airport. This new international air service creates additional
economic opportunities, increases tourism to our city and strengthens
Chicago’s cultural and business connection to the world.
“This
service will generate more than $200 million in annual economic
impact and will connect passengers from Chicago to destinations
across India, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.”
Aside
from Chicago, New York, Washington and Houston, Qatar Airways’
North American operations cover thrice-weekly services to Montreal.
Qatar
Airways’ Doha – Chicago route is being operated with a Boeing
777-300 Extended Range aircraft in a two-class configuration of 293
seats in Economy Class and 42 in Business Class.
The
aircraft features seatback TV screens providing all passengers in
both cabins with the next generation interactive onboard
entertainment system – a choice of more than 1,000 audio and
video-on-demand options.
