BOSTON, USA – Boston’s Logan International Airport marked Qatar Airways’ new route to Boston with an exclusive flag-raising ceremony in honour of the airline’s recently launched daily, non-stop service to the city. The ceremony also included the playing of the Qatari national anthem and the United States’ national anthem.
Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker travelled to Boston and led a delegation from the airline, and was met by Massport Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thomas P. Glynn and Massport Director of Aviation, Mr. Edward Freni with a red carpet welcome, followed by a flag raising ceremony in the departures zone.
The ‘Gallery of Flags’ is unique to Boston Logan International Airport in that it marks the countries of all carriers that fly from the international terminal E. A total of 33 countries have flags raised and Qatar Airways is the latest to receive the official welcome, with the State of Qatar’s flag now on display.
Massport Director of Aviation Security, Major William N. Christianson, and Mr. Pat Moscaritolo, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) joined the official delegation for the playing of both nations’ national anthems, and the flag raising ceremony.
Several officials from the airline, Massport officals and travellers all witnessed the occasion in the departures area at Boston’s Logan airport.
During the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Boston Logan International Airport, Thomas P. Glynn hailed Qatar Airways as an innovative leader in the aviation industry, and the airline was acknowledged for its dedication and passion in its service commitment to its passengers. An official exchange of cultural artefecats of the two cities were exchanged. The final moment of the ceremony was the raising of the State of Qatar flag.
“We are pleased to welcome Qatar Airways to Boston Logan. With its award-winning service and modern fleet, Qatar Airways offers New England new opportunities for travel and ways to connect to the global economy,” said Mr. Ed Freni, Massport’s Director of Aviation. “The airline also provides a new way for people from around the globe to come to Boston and appreciate all the city has to offer.”
During his speech, H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker remarked: “Global aviation truly has the power to transcend borders, and we are honoured by Boston Logan International Airport’s incredible hospitality and are proud to raise the flag of Qatar, our home, as we celebrate a new era of opportunity and cooperation between Boston and Doha.”
Qatar Airways launched daily, non-stop service to Boston on 16th March. The destination is the airline’s ninth in the United States and one of three US routes currently operating with the state-of-the-art Airbus A350, for which Qatar Airways was the global launch customer, and currently has eight in its fleet.
The airline has expanded rapidly in the United States, having commenced service to Los Angeles (LAX) on 1 January, and will commence service to Atlanta on 1 June.
The A350 is operated by Qatar Airways across three continents currently: Asia, Europe and America.
