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

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

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

Effective June 15, 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.

Flight QR991 arrived to a warm welcome at a grand airport ceremony attended by a number of dignitaries, including Qatar’s Ambassador to the US Mohamad bin Abdulla Al-Rumaihi, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al-Baker and airport officials.

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.

Al-Baker and Chicago airport authorities delivered speeches at O’Hare International to mark the occasion, noting the economic impact of Qatar Airways’ arrival in the city.

“I would like to take this special opportunity to thank the people of Chicago and local airport authorities for their great support in helping Qatar Airways launch passenger flights to this vibrant city,” said Al-Baker.

City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel sent a congratulatory message to Qatar Airways, commenting: “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.”

Al-Baker said Chicago marked yet another significant milestone for the airline which is expanding its global network at a remarkable pace.

Qatar Airways’ Doha — Chicago route is being operated with a Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft in a two-class configuration of 293 seats in Economy Class and 42 in Business Class.