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

Image Courtesy Matt Cawby
Boeing delivered the second of eight 777-200LRs (Longer Range) ordered by Qatar Airways on February 24th. A7-BBB took a near 15-hour journey to its new home in Doha with guests on-board who included a selection of journalists from the United States, India and the Gulf and a high-profile delegation of bankers and financiers.

Along with its sister A7-BBA, A7-BBB will operate the Doha – Houston route, linking the energy capitals of the world, which is scheduled for launch on March 30.

Boeing Image

Breaking from tradition Qatar Airways has officially named the aircraft “Gaza” in solidarity with civilian victims in the recent conflict in Gaza.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Al Akbar Al Baker said

“I know many of us have been deeply touched by the civilian deaths in the recent bombing of Gaza. Qatar Airways wants to recognise that innocent people, and in particular large numbers of children, were killed in these bomb attacks, and naming our latest aircraft “Gaza” is a symbolic gesture to commemorate and honour these victims.

“The name ‘Gaza’ will fly around the world on Qatar Airways and spread a message of peace and humanity,”

“Qatar Airways customarily names each of its aircraft after place names within the State of Qatar. But we have made an exception in this case,”

Manal Timraz with her son
Image Courtesy Qatar Airways

At the start of February, Qatar Airways offered its support to the One Million Candles campaign, an initiative launched by UK resident Manal Timraz in response to the death of 15 of her family members in a single bomb attack on the Gaza Strip. Twelve of those who died were children – the Palestinian woman’s nieces and nephews. Timraz asked that people donate candles to remember the loss of lives on the West Bank and as a peaceful but powerful signal that public opinion in Britain was against such attacks where innocent victims were killed unnecessarily.

High profile donations included that of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who donated a candle to the campaign which grew to involve over 75 countries.

Qatar Airways and Qatar Airways Cargo offered to transport the candles from Britain to the Middle East in sending a peaceful message of support.

Qatar Airways has ordered 17 777-300ERs (Extended Range), five of which have been delivered, and two 777 Freighters for future delivery.