Qatar Airways on Monday said it plans to expand its services to the United States, in a move that likely will trigger a backlash from US airlines that accuse it of competing unfairly through state subsidies.
The Gulf carrier announced its first direct flights to Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta from its Doha hub and its second daily flight to New York.
The expansion comes as Delta, United and American Airlines press for a temporary freeze on new Gulf airline service to the US.
The US airlines and their unions have alleged that Qatar Airways, Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have received more than US$40 billion in subsidies from their home governments in the last decade.
This, they say, has allowed the Gulf carriers to drive down ticket prices and begin pushing competitors out of key markets.
The Gulf carriers have denied the allegations.
Qatar Airways said it would fly two-aisle Boeing 777 aircraft to Los Angeles and Atlanta. It would fly a two-aisle Airbus 350-900 XWB aircraft on its Boston route and for its second New York flight.
Los Angeles service begins January 1, 2016, followed by Boston on March 16 and Atlanta on July 1.
Follow The National's Business section on Twitter
