Qatar Airways has celebrated 10 years of service to the US by illuminating the Empire State Building, New York City, in its signature burgundy and white colours.
The airline will continue its celebrations with a series of activities, including special offers from the US to more than 100 destinations worldwide, as well as bonus Qmiles for Privilege Club frequent flyer members, according to a press statement.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker said, “We were honoured to display our colours on one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, and the headquarters of our US and Americas Regional offices, the Empire State Building. We believe this is a true testament to our positive presence and fantastic support in the United States.
“Qatar Airways is proud to have provided a decade of quality international service for our valued travellers in the United States, and we are looking forward to serving the Americas for many more years to come.
“Qatar Airways continues to expand and grow; with upcoming planned services to both Las Vegas and San Francisco. Never has Qatar Airways’ commitment to the American market been stronger, and providing a vital international link between the US and Qatar and beyond remains our goal.”
Qatar Airways’ first flight to the US, on June 28, 2007, was to New York City, which was closely followed by service to Washington, DC, the following month. 2016 was a particularly busy year in the US for Qatar Airways as it launched flights to Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta, taking the total number of gateways into North America to 10, including Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Miami and Philadelphia.
As part of its continuing expansion efforts within the country, Qatar Airways is planning to launch services to San Francisco and Las Vegas in 2018. The American expansion is part of the overall airline growth plans, which include new routes to Canberra (Australia), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Douala (Cameroon), Libreville (Gabon), Rio de Janeiro, (Brazil), Santiago (Chile) and other destinations.
To "further strengthen its position as an industry leader", Qatar Airways said it has just launched the Qsuite to London and will bring the patented product to New York City in September.
Doha-based Qatar Airways is "one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets" in the world. The airline is also celebrating its 20th year of global operations this year. Qatar Airways has a fleet of 200 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.
FACT BOX:
* Qatar Airways celebrates 10 years of service to the US
* The airline will continue its celebrations with a series of activities
* Qatar Airways is planning to launch services to San Francisco and Las Vegas in 2018
