Qatar Airways is offering non-stop service between the Middle East and Miami, Florida, with the launch of its new service to Miami International Airport, marking its sixth US gateway.

The launch continues a major expansion by the airline into the United States.

Non-stop service to Philadelphia International Airport began in April, and the airline will commence flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in July.

The airline’s chief executive was on-board the maiden flight and led a high level delegation, including the director of Miami Airport, Emilio Gonzalez; the vice chairman of the Greater Miami Visitors and Convention Bureau, Bruce Orosz; senior officials from the airline and a group of international media travelling on the first flight.

“Miami is an essential destination in our expanding global network,” said Al Baker.

“Our aim is to bring the world closer together through a five-star unparalleled aviation experience, and we are particularly pleased that for the first time, Florida is being served from the Middle East market.”

With Doha’s centralized location, travellers from Miami can reach cities such as Bangkok, Nairobi, Colombo, and Mumbai in an impressive 20 hours or less through a quick transfer in Doha.

The airline recently moved its entire operations to the State of Qatar’s new airport – Hamad International Airport, an architectural marvel – 60 per cent of which is built on reclaimed land.

From one major hub to another, Miami International Airport is one of the largest in the United States, handling over 40.5 million passengers in 2013.

It is the country’s second busiest airport for international travel and the busiest for international freight.