Qatar Airways’ maiden flight to North America touched down at Newark Liberty International Airport , the first step of the carrier’s expansion into the US market. The new service from Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, to Newark – gateway to New York City – also marked another first as the flight operated via Geneva, the airline’s newest European destination, taking its international network to 77 destinations.

The airline, currently in its 10th year of operations, now serves 77 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent, Far East and America with a modern fleet of 58 all-Airbus aircraft.

Addressing media at a press conference in New York, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the airline, one of the world’s fastest growing carriers, had at last fulfilled a long-held ambition to serve the United States.

“This is a historic moment for Qatar Airways as we arrived in America with our new flights from Doha and Geneva,” he said, speaking at the Four Seasons Hotel.

“Our global reach now extends to America, adding to the many cities we serve in Europe, Africa, Indian subcontinent and the Far East. Our Newark services are a stepping stone to further expansion in the United States . From July 19, Qatar Airways will launch flights between Doha and Washington DC, making us the only Middle East airline serving the US capital with daily non-stop scheduled services. I would like to thank the authorities in both America and Qatar for making our historic route a reality, a route that forges business and trade links between our two countries.”

The Newark route is operated with the carrier’s Airbus A330 aircraft in a three-class configuration. The airline operates 12 seats in First Class – seats that convert into flat beds – 18 seats in Business Class, which offer generous space with 160 degree recline, and 208 seats in Economy.

Al Baker went on: “Qatar Airways looks forward to growing our international network further in the US as we explore other route opportunities here in the world’s largest aviation market. I promise we are here to stay and will further make our mark in the US with our new Washington services next month and more destinations in the pipeline.”

During the press briefing, Al Baker spoke of Qatar Airways’ rapid rise to become one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. He spoke of the airline’s recent US$16 billion order for 80 new Airbus A350 aircraft and the New Doha International Airport , being project managed by US-based engineering giant Bechtel. The first phase of the US$5.5 billion new airport is scheduled to open in 2009.

He also gave the media an insight into the world’s first commercial passenger terminal dedicated to First and Business Class passengers, which opened at Doha International Airport at the end of 2006. The Premium Terminal features facilities including a spa, jacuzzi, exclusive duty free shopping, business centre and fine dining restaurants. Built in just nine months, the US$90 million terminal is for exclusive use of Qatar Airways’ departing First and Business Class passengers.