BOSTON: Boston’s Logan International Airport marked Qatar Airways’ new route to the city with an exclusive flag-raising ceremony in honour of QA’s recently launched daily, non-stop service.
The ceremony included the playing of the Qatari and the US national anthems.
Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, QA, travelled to Boston and led a delegation from the airline. He was met by Thomas P Glynn, CEO, Massport, and Edward Freni, Director of Aviation, Massport, 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.
Thirty-three countries have their flags raised and QA is the latest to receive the official welcome, with Qatar’s flag on display.
Major William N Christianson, Director of Aviation Security, Massport, and Pat Moscaritolo, President and CEO, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB), joined the official delegation for the playing of both countries’ national anthems and the flag-raising ceremony.
Glynn hailed QA 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 artefacts of the two cities was held. The final moment of the ceremony was the raising of the Qatar flag.
“We are pleased to welcome QA to Boston Logan. With its award-winning service and modern fleet, QA offers New England new opportunities for travel and ways to connect to the global economy,” said Freni.
“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.”
Al Baker said: “Global aviation 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.”
QA launched the service to Boston on March 16.
The destination is the airline’s ninth in the US and one of three US routes operating with the state-of-the-art Airbus A350, for which QA was the global launch customer, and has eight such aircraft in its fleet.The Peninsula
