Qatar Airways expands US operations

To coincide with the dawn of 2016, Qatar Airways launched a new daily, non-stop service between Los Angeles and Doha - the airline’s first passenger service to the West Coast of the United States.

The first flight took off on January 1, operated by a Boeing 777-200 with 42 seats in business class and 217 in economy. The route is the first of three new US destinations planned for 2016, with Boston launching on March 16 and Atlanta on June 1. “We are honoured to bring our award-winning service to Los Angeles. 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,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker.

Los Angeles The first flight to Los Angeles was greeted with a welcoming ceremony upon arrival, however, the airline has said it will officially celebrate the new LAX route on January 12, when Mr. Al Baker will host a press conference and a star-studded VIP gala. “Los Angeles and Doha have much in common. 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,” Mr Baker continued. Flight QR739 departs Doha at 07.45, arriving in Los Angeles at 13.10. In the opposite direction, flight QR740 departs Los Angeles at 15.10, arriving in Doha at 18.10 the following day. The LAX launch comes as Qatar Airways continues to expand operations to other US destinations. On the same day as the LAX launch, January 1, Qatar Airways deployed the Airbus A350 to Philadelphia - the first regularly-scheduled A350 service to the United States

The airline will also commence a A350 service between New York and Doha in April. “The A350 has transcended modern aviation standards and our only challenge has been choosing which of our over 150 destinations would be among the first to enjoy it. The city of Philadelphia has been an outstanding partner since we launched in 2014 and it is our pleasure to reward regional travellers with the chance to experience the future of global aviation, today,” said Mr. Al Baker.

Airbus A350