Brazil’s largest city Sao Paulo and the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires have joined the airline’s growing list of destinations, taking the Doha-based carrier’s global network up to 92 points served worldwide.

The two new routes complete a five-month expansion program so far this year, which has seen the airline introduce flights to Bangalore, Copenhagen, Ankara, Tokyo and Barcelona. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker led a high profile delegation of dignitaries and international media from Asia and the Gulf region on the inaugural flight from Doha to Sao Paulo and onward to Buenos Aires. Airport functions, featuring a cake-cutting ceremony and speeches, were held on arrival at both cities, attended by government, airport and business officials, together with local and international media.

Al Baker said: “Today is a historic occasion for Qatar Airways that will further boost economic ties between Qatar and both Brazil and Argentina.

“Just 13 years ago, Qatar Airways embarked on an ambitious plan by launching an airline that would spread its wings far and wide and offer the highest levels of service and hospitality,” he said, speaking at arrival receptions at both airports.

“With a large Lebanese and Japanese community living in Brazil, Argentina and neighboring South American countries, the route is a perfect match for our business model, which carries passengers from East to West and vice versa via our Doha hub.”