Qatar first South American destination to launch in 2010

Qatar Airways has given the strongest indications yet that it is planning an entrance into a sixth continent next year when Akbar Al Baker, Qatar CEO, launched to Houston and called it a gateway to Latin America.
Speaking at the launch in Houston, Mr Al Baker remarked that he plans to double the number of cities served in the US from three to six, as well as launching the airline’s first destination in South America next year.
“I am delighted to see our aircraft now offering daily non-stop services to Houston. After more than a year of planning, we are finally on Texan soil,” remarked Mr Al Baker at the launch.
“Passenger demand prompted this new route and I am absolutely thrilled we are able to bring our award-winning Five Star service to this wonderful gateway to America’s southern states and Latin America.”
Further signs that the airline is finalising arrangements in South America can be seen in its attendance at the recent Arab-South American Business Forum in Doha, where several prominent South American businesses were seeking tie-ups for direct services.
Currently Emirates is the only Gulf carrier flying into South America, linking the cities of Dubai and Sao Paulo.