Qatar Airways Arrives In Atlanta Ahead Of Its Start Of Service

ATLANTA, May 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Qatar Airways hosted a capacity-crowd press conference in Atlanta to discuss its new service, which will commence June 1, 2016. Atlanta is the tenth destination the airline serves in the United States, connecting to Qatar Airways' home at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, and to more than 150 destinations world-wide.

The route between Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) and Hamad International Airport (HIA) will be operated daily nonstop with a Boeing 777, with the exception of the first flight – which will be deployed with an Airbus A380 superjumbo for one day only, on June 1.

Qatar Airways' third new destination to the United States this year, Atlanta follows the start of services to Los Angeles (January 1) and Boston (March 16). Since 2007, with the airline's first route to the USA – to New York – services have exponentially grown, with America having an ever-increasing importance for Qatar Airways' customers. More than 5,000 seats are flown each day between Qatar and the United States, spread across the airline's gateways. 

Atlanta is projected to be a key route for business and leisure traffic, conveniently connecting the Far East, Africa and the Middle East regions to the State of Georgia, positively impacting business, conference- and convention attendance, and family and friends visitor traffic. 

Addressing media in Atlanta today at a press conference at the St. Regis Hotel in Buckhead, the airline's Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker was joined by the Vice President of the Americas, Gunter Saurwein and Country Manager of the USA, Lisa Markovic.

H.E. Mr. Al Baker spoke at length about the airline's expansion strategy, including the third phase of the world's newest greenfield airport, Hamad International Airport (HIA), the hub and home of Qatar Airways. Currently in its second year of operations, HIA is ranked one of the world's top 10 airports and best in the Middle East. The airport features art installations, sculptures, 18 lounges, children's play zones and relaxation areas, among other amenities.

"With our expanding presence in the United States, we look forward to welcoming new passengers from Atlanta and beyond to experience our product and the distinct hospitality of Qatar Airways," said H.E. Mr. Al Baker said.

"We know passengers want more than just travel; they want an inflight experience that provides comfort, from the design of the seat to the quality of the cuisine, to the range of entertainment options available. These elements matter more now than ever before, as we witness the increasing trend of long haul and ultra-long haul travel. Our network, much like our on-board product, is optimized for long journeys, offering customers fast and seamless transfers at our home airport, or the option to extend your time in Doha to experience the world's finest airport. We want to go places together with our customers, to be part of their journey and contribute to a memorable experience."

Flying to six continents with over 150 destinations on its routemap, Qatar Airways is a full service global carrier, operating a mixed fleet of all Boeing and Airbus aircraft – with an average fleet age of just five years.

Currently ranked as 'Best Airline in the World' for the third time by Skytrax, the aviation industry benchmark for passenger satisfaction, with over 18 million people voting annually. Qatar Airways has received the vote of confidence from its worldwide passengers, serving more than 30 million annually.

As part of Qatar Airways corporate social responsibility programme, Cabin Crew visited an Atlanta school yesterday to support a summer reading initiative. The airline is committed to furthering the awareness about travel and cultures, as part of its engagement program in each of the communities in which the airline serves. Additionally, Qatar Airways is the official communications ambassador for the Education Above All foundation's "Educate a Child" programme.

About Qatar Airways:
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 184 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents. Qatar Airways won Airline of the Year, Best Business Class Airline Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East at the 2015 Skytrax Awards. This is the third time the airline won the accolade of Airline of the Year.

Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World's Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.

In 2015 Qatar Airways launched Oryx One, an enhanced interface for its inflight entertainment system, increasing the number of movies and TV shows on board from 950 to up to 3,000. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 as well as select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the five-star airline's on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.

Qatar Airways is one of the world's leaders in sponsoring global sporting events, including the strategic team sponsorships of FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC. Qatar Airways' strategy reflects the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline's own brand message - Going Places Together.

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world's third largest cargo carrier, serves more than 50 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally on 184 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet now includes eight Airbus 330Fs, nine Boeing 777 freighters and two Boeing 747 freighters.

For Qatar Airways corporate images, please click here: http://www.qatarairways.com/corporateimages

For further information contact:
Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 40222072, Fax: +974 40225350
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa
Visit our homepage www.qatarairways.com or our sites on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube.
For Qatar Airways corporate images, please click here: http://www.qatarairways.com/corporateimages

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Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160517/368893

SOURCE Qatar Airways