Qatar Airways to launch Flights to Houston in November

Qatar Airways is to strengthen its presence in North America by adding the southern US city of Houston to its growing international network later this year.

Beginning November 10, the Doha-based airline will launch three flights a week non-stop to Houston using its brand new Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft. Frequency will rise to daily a few weeks later in December 2008.

With a capability of flying 17 hours, the Boeing 777-200LR is easily able to operate the Doha - Houston route, which will be one of the world’s longest non-stop flights.

Qatar Airways first launched scheduled flights to the US last summer – with services to New York, followed three weeks later with non-stop flights to Washington DC. Houston becomes the airline’s third US destination.

Houston is home to natural oil resources and more than 5,000 energy-related businesses. Meanwhile, Qatar is home to the world’s third largest gas reserves and is the world’s leading exporter of gas-to-liquids fuel – otherwise known as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

With a population of almost three million people, Houston is the largest city in the State of Texas and is one of America’s most vibrant cities.

Qatar Airways will deploy a Boeing 777-200LR in a two-class configuration of 42 seats in Business Class and 217 seats in Economy. Business Class has a 2–2–2 seating configuration and Economy Class 3–3–3 seating. The airline currently operates two Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft on the Washington route non-stop, but takes delivery of its first Boeing 777-200LR in November 2008, shortly before inducting it on the Houston route.

The Boeing 777s feature Qatar Airways’ next generation inflight entertainment system offering every passenger in both cabins a choice of more than 700 audio and video entertainment options.

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