Chicago, Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to Chicago arrived at O’Hare International Airport yesterday marking the airline’s fourth destination in the United States.  With the launch of three weekly passenger service between Chicago and Qatar Airways’ hub in Doha, Chicago becomes destination number 126 in the airline’s worldwide network.

Qatar Airways now operates 24 passenger flights a week between the United States and Doha – daily from New York, Washington DC and Houston and the three weekly services from Chicago.

Effective June 15, the Chicago – Doha route will increase to a daily service. Qatar Airways also operates twice weekly all cargo flights between the two cities, launched in August 2010.

Flight QR991 arrived to an irport ceremony attended by a number of dignitaries, including Qatar’s Ambassador to the United States of America Mohamad Bin Abdulla Al-Rumaihi, Qatar Airways Akbar Al Baker chief executive officer  and airport officials. 

Al Baker said: “I would like to take this special opportunity to thank the people of Chicago and local airport authorities for their great support in helping Qatar Airways launch passenger flights to this vibrant city,”

“After more than five successful years of operations in North America, we are pleased to introduce Chicago as our fourth and newest US gateway and look forward to welcoming travelers from the Midwest and its catchment area to fly with us to many parts of the world and, similarly welcome visitors from around the world to this great city.

“Chicago is a key route for business and leisure travelers alike, home to the world’s second busiest international airport with 70 million passengers a year.

“Qatar Airways was first introduced to the city in 2010 through its successful cargo operations, which helped set the stage for a longer term partnership with this thriving city.

“With the local tourism industry receiving 50 million visitors annually and Chicago being the headquarters of some of the world’s biggest corporates, including Boeing, there are many business opportunities linking our two cities and regions.

“Qatar Airways today spreads its reach in North America and we are proud to say that our commitments here will continue,” added Al Baker. 

City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel commented: “Chicago is pleased to welcome Qatar Airways’ world-class service to our global gateway, O’Hare International Airport. This new international air service creates additional economic opportunities, increases tourism to our city and strengthens Chicago’s cultural and business connection to the world. 

“This service will generate more than $200 million in annual economic impact and will connect passengers from Chicago to destinations across India, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.”

Aside from Chicago, New York, Washington and Houston, Qatar Airways’ North American operations cover thrice-weekly services to Montreal.

Qatar Airways’ Doha – Chicago route is being operated with a Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft in a two-class configuration of 293 seats in economy class and 42 in business class.

Qatar Airways is set to launch services to a diverse portfolio of new routes during 2013, including Salalah, Oman (May 22); Basra, Iraq (June 3), Sulaymaniyah, Iraq (August 20), Chengdu, China (September 3) and many more start-ups to be announced.

• Depart Doha QR991 at 0800 hrs, arrive Chicago at 1430 hrs 
• Depart Chicago           QR992 at 2055 hrs, arrive Doha at 1825 hrs following day 

• Depart Doha QR991 at 0800 hrs, arrive Chicago at 1430 hrs 
• Depart Chicago           QR992 at 2055 hrs, arrive Doha at 1825 hrs following day