Qatar Airways Announces New Service Between Chicago O’Hare and Doha

CHICAGO, 2012-08-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Qatar Airways today announced it will launch daily nonstop passenger service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Doha, capital of the State of Qatar on April 10, 2013. Qatar’s service is a brand new destination in theMiddle East for O’Hare travelers.

The carrier, which already operates twice-weekly cargo flights to Chicago O’Hare, will use long-haul Boeing 777-300 Extended Range passenger aircraft on the Chicago-Doha route with an approximate flying time of 15 hours.

“Increasing Chicago’s connectivity to the rest of the world is a key component of strengtheningChicago’s economy, creating new jobs and business opportunities, and growing international tourism,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Qatar Airways’ new service from Chicago to Doha will provide an additional connection between our city and the Middle East and will generate approximately $200 million in annual economic impact, while advancing Chicago’s international standing and profile.”

“Qatar Airways’ new nonstop passenger service between Chicago O’Hare and Doha is great news for our city and airport, as well as for Chicago’s residents and business community,” said Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). “We are pleased to welcome international service from one of the world’s fastest growing airlines to one of the world’s busiest airports. New air service, especially to markets in the rapidly growing Middle East, has a profound effect on our regional economy and expands tourism, business and economic opportunities.”

“Chicago is a key route for business and leisure travelers alike, connecting them from destinations across India, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific with a one-stop service via Doha to the Midwest,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker. “For the people of Chicago and theMidwest, we look forward to offering a great travel experience on the world’s best airline to cities across our network with one-stop convenience through our Doha hub.”

Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft operating on the Chicago route will feature 335 seats in a two-class configuration of 42 Business Class seats and 293 in Economy.

Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, will be the carrier’s fourth U.S. gateway, following daily operations to New York (JFK), Washington (IAD) and Houston (IAH).

Qatar Airways, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, has seen rapid growth in 15 years of operations, with a current fleet of 110 aircraft flying to 118 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. Qatar Airways has been chosen as the Airline of the Year in 2011 and 2012 by Skytrax for excellence in product and service.

O’Hare International Airport currently offers nonstop service to 47 international destinations and 188 domestic destinations.

Qatar Airways will operate a Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft on the Chicago O’Hare-Doha route that is set to launch on April 10, 2013.