Qatar Airways rang in the New Year with a new daily, non-stop service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hamad International Airport in Doha.
The new route, which commenced on January 1, features the airline’s landmark Boeing 777-200 and represents Qatar Airways’ first passenger service to the United States west coast.
The expansion to LAX is the first of three new US destinations planned for 2016, along with Boston on March 16 and Atlanta on June 1.
“We are honoured to bring our award-winning service to Los Angeles,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar al-Baker.
“This great city embodies the glamour and sophistication that gave rise to the ’jet set’ lifestyle, when travel truly started to be part of our life experience. It is only fitting that we bring the world’s best airline experience to the people of Los Angeles.”
The first arrival to Los Angeles was recognised with a special gate ceremony, celebrating the passengers on the historic flight. The airline will officially celebrate the new Los Angeles route on January 12, when al-Baker will host a “star-studded” VIP gala.“Los Angeles and Doha have much in common,” said al- Baker.
“As passionate homes for sport, fashion, art and world-class entertainment, this new Qatar Airways service forms a bridge spanning continents and cultures, which will further strengthen our cultural and commercial bonds.”
The LAX launch comes as Qatar Airways continues to expand operations in the United States and around the world. In addition to new launches in Boston and Atlanta, the airline is enhancing existing services along its successful US routes.
On December 8, Qatar Airways brought the state-of-the-art Airbus A350, the “airliner of the next decade,” to American shores for the first time.