Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to Chicago has touched down at O’Hare International Airport marking the airline’s fourth gateway in the United States.

With the launch of thrice-weekly passenger services between the Windy City and Qatar Airways’ hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, Chicago becomes destination number 126 in the airline’s worldwide network.

Qatar Airways now operates 24 passenger flights a week between the United States and Doha – daily from New York, Washington DC and Houston and the new thrice-weekly services from Chicago.

Effective June 15th, the Chicago – Doha route will increase to a daily service.

Qatar Airways also operates twice-weekly dedicated cargo flights between the two cities, launched in August 2010.

The maiden flight carried international media and airline management.

The new route offers a connection between Chicago and a vast number of destinations across the Middle East, Africa, India and Asia Pacific via Doha.

City of Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel sent a congratulatory message to Qatar Airways, commenting: “Chicago is pleased to welcome Qatar Airways’ world-class service to our global gateway, O’Hare International Airport.

“This new international air service creates additional economic opportunities, increases tourism to our city and strengthens Chicago’s cultural and business connection to the world.

“This service will generate more than $200 million in annual economic impact and will connect passengers from Chicago to destinations across India, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.”

Aside from Chicago, New York, Washington and Houston, Qatar Airways’ North American operations cover thrice-weekly services to Montreal.