It seems Qatar Airways is pulling forward a route launch, with the Doha to Seattle operation to start on the 29th January.
Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER in oneworld livery – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The service is being launched just under two months ahead of schedule, utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Planned operations is as follows:
QR719 DEPART DOH 08:00 ARRIVE SEA 12:20 QR720 DEPART SEA 17:05 ARRIVE DOH 17:15+1 Commences 29th January Operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday Booked Equipment: Boeing 777-300ER
The airline will operate the Seattle service four-times-weekly service operated with its Boeing 777-300ER featuring 42 seats in Business Class and 312 seats in Economy Class.
QSuites is installed on these aircraft is configured in a 1-2-1 configuration, with the sliding doors for entertainment and privacy.
QSuites on a Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER – I flew this between Bangkok and Doha. Review here.
Economy Class remains the usual 3-4-3 down the back.
Passengers can also stay connected with family, friends and colleagues with Super Wi-Fi connectivity available onboard all Seattle flights.
The early route launch will be the 11th destination that Qatar Airways serves in the United States.
In Quotes
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr Akbar Al Baker, said:
“Qatar Airways is committed to enhancing its connectivity with the U.S. market. Bringing forward the launch of flights to Seattle, our second new U.S. destination since the onset of the pandemic, epitomises this commitment. With flights to Washington State’s largest city our U.S. network will grow to 11 gateways, surpassing the number of destinations we operated in the U.S. pre-COVID19. We look forward to launching our Seattle service and connecting with the hub of our future oneworld partner, Alaska Airlines.”
Port of Seattle Commission President, Peter Steinbrueck, said:
“Despite the worldwide pandemic, Qatar Airways’ new service to SEA demonstrates the strength and resilience of our region as an important global travel destination. We are committed to improving the global traveller experience, and will continue to invest confidently in projects such as the International Arrivals Facility and North Satellite Modernization programs at SEA.”
Confidence? Maybe.
With vaccines being the order of the day, Qatar Airways is pushing ahead with route launches to capture traffic. The route launch does mean the airline will be serving Seattle long before Alaska Airlines formally joins oneworld – but the enhanced frequent flyer partnership should be helpful for those who wish to earn and redeem miles.
For US-based passengers who need to travel, or for companies needing to ship cargo across these distances (which might be the real reason why this service is spinning up early), it’s a welcome non-stop connection between the West Coast and the Middle East.
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