It has been 10 years since Qatar Airways started its operations to the USA and they celebrated it in style, illuminating the Empire State Building in its signature burgundy and white colours.  

The airline is set to continue its celebrations with a series of activities, including special offers from the US to more than 100 destinations worldwide, as well as bonus Qmiles for Privilege Club frequent flyer members, reported Gulf Times.

“We were honoured to display our colours on one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, and the headquarters of our USA and Americas Regional offices, the Empire State Building. We believe this is a true testament to our positive presence and fantastic support in the United States,” The Peninsula quoted Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker as saying.

“Qatar Airways is proud to have provided a decade of quality international service for our valued travellers in the United States, and we’re looking forward to serving the Americas for many more years to come,” he added.

Qatar Airways’ first flight to the USA, on June 28, 2007, was to New York City. This was closely followed by a service to Washington DC the following month.

The year 2016 was a particularly busy year for Qatar Airways in the US as it launched flights to Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta taking the total number of gateways into North America to 10, including Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Miami and Philadelphia.

Despite the recent blockade on Qatar’s airspace by neighbouring countries, Qatar Airways international flights have been operating normally. Against all odds, the airlines had recently won Skytrax award for the world’s best airlines for the fourth time.