Qatar Airways launches 17 hour Doha Houston route using Boeing 777-200LR

Qatar Airways launched its Doha Houston daily non-stop service yesterday linking the world’s energy capitals and marking the carrier’s 84th destination. The new route is Qatar Airways' third daily non-stop service to the United States adding to the existing daily services to Washington D.C. and New York City.

Qatar Airways is using its two brand new Boeing 777-200 Long Range (777-200LR) aircraft, received in February on this route. Qatar Airways is placing a lot of faith in its 777-200LRs since two aircraft are required to operate this route on a daily. It has ordered a total of six LR variants and hopefully A7-BBC will join the fleet very soon.

A7-BBA performing QR077 was welcomed after its nearly 17 hour journey at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) with the traditional water cannon salute.

A 259 seat, two-class configuration places emphasis on space. In Business Class, there are 42 fully flat seats with a pitch of up to 78 inches in a 2–2–2 seat configuration. In Economy Class, there are 217 seats with a pitch of up to 34 inches in a 3-3-3 configuration.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker receives a proclamation from City of Houston City Controller Annise Parker designating Monday 30 March 2009 as “Qatar Airways Day” during the official arrival ceremony welcoming the inaugural Houston flight.

Images courtesy of Qatar Airways