Qatar Airways Touches Down in Washington DC

WASHINGTON, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Qatar Airways' expansion into North America took another major step last evening as the airline's maiden flight to Washington DC touched down at Dulles International Airport.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070720/NYF036 )

Flight QR 051 arrived in the US capital to a dramatic water salute ceremony from the local fire brigade following a 14-hour non-stop journey from Doha, capital of the State of Qatar.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker was accompanied by a high-level delegation of airline officials, including Chairman of Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi, Shk. Abdullah Mohammed S A Al Thani Chair of Q-Tel, and Middle East media on the inaugural flight, which was met by senior airport officials and local dignitaries.

The inaugural was welcomed by Shk. Ali Bin Jassim Al Thani, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the State of Qatar; the Hon. David N. Smith, deputy secretary of commerce and trade, the Commonwealth of Virginia; the Hon. Gary J. Rasmussen, councilmember, City of Fairfax; Margaret McKeough, vice president, Metro Washington Airport Authority and Joan DuBois, supervisor, Fairfax County. The flight was also welcomed by Al Jazeera International news anchor Riz Khan, formerly with CNN.

Following the highly successful launch of flights between Doha and New York (Newark) last month, Qatar Airways has now launched its second route to the United States, bridging the capitals of both countries with the new services.

Award-winning Qatar Airways is the only airline from the Middle East operating daily non-stop services to Washington DC. The new service takes Qatar Airways' international route network to 78 destinations spanning Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Far East and North America.

Speaking on arrival in Washington, Al Baker said he was delighted that the airline had spread its wings further into the United States.

"Three weeks ago, Qatar Airways took its first historic steps into the vitally important US market with flights to New York. This evening we are celebrating our second US route, with our new direct non-stop flights to Washington DC," he said.

"After being welcomed with open arms in New York, I feel extremely honoured to see the national carrier of my country here in Washington DC and also be received to such a warm welcome. It's been a long time coming and we are finally here.

"Qatar Airways embarked on its long journey from Doha this morning to further strengthen our international network. I am sure we will help boost the tourism industry here by bringing in business and leisure visitors from around the world to experience the delights of this great city and the surrounding area," he added, addressing dignitaries at a special ceremony at Dulles International Airport.

"I would like to thank the authorities in both America and Qatar for making the Doha - Washington route happen, so soon after the successful launch of our New York flights.

"Our passengers from across the Gulf countries and feeder markets in the Indian subcontinent will have excellent onward connections across the USA via our Washington and New York services."

Both Washington and New York are the highlight of Qatar Airways' expansion strategy during 2007, which has already seen the airline launch services to Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Chennai and Geneva. On November 27, the carrier launches services to the Swedish capital, Stockholm

The Washington route is operated with the state-of-the-art Airbus A340 aircraft in a three-class configuration of 8 seats in First Class - seats that convert into flat beds - 42 in Business offering generous space with 160 degree recline, and 216 in Economy.

Qatar Airways, one of the world's fastest growing airlines, currently operates a modern fleet of 58 all-Airbus aircraft. The fleet size is set to almost double to 110 aircraft by 2015. With a growing international network, more travellers have an opportunity to use Qatar Airways' brand new Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport, exclusively for its departing First and Business Class passengers.

The Premium Terminal features facilities including a spa, Jacuzzi, exclusive duty free shopping, business centre, fine dining restaurants and cocktail bar. Built in just nine months, the US$90 million terminal is the world's first commercial passenger building dedicated to First and Business Class passengers and offers departing and transit passengers an excellent opportunity to relax and unwind prior to their flight.

                       DOHA - WASHINGTON DC Schedules:

    Route                     Days    Flight Number    Departure    Arrival
    Doha - Washington DC      DAILY       QR51           1135        1910
    Washington DC - Doha      DAILY       QR52           2255        1900*

    * Arrival the following day.