Qatar Airways introduces first ever shuttle service

Travelling between Doha and Dubai is about to get a whole lot smoother with the introduction of Qatar Airways’ newest offering, the Doha-Dubai Shuttle. Having launched this week, the Doha-Dubai Shuttle will offer flights from Doha’s Hamad International Airport to Dubai International Airport, as well as Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai.

The new service which is the first of its kind flying between the two cities brings with it a number of enhanced services that will reduce overall travel time and increase convenience for passengers. The shuttle service, along with its many perks, will be offered on each of the 18 daily flights between the two cities, with 14 flights to and from Dubai International Airport and four to and from Al Maktoum International Airport.

Passengers on the Doha-Dubai Shuttle will also be able to enjoy the newly unveiled Qatar Airways inflight entertainment system with its brand new design and identity. The new brand "Oryx One - Explore. Play. Share." embraces Qatar Airways’ corporate colours and will provide passengers with a comprehensive experience of entertainment, information and connectivity.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker announced the launch of the Doha-Dubai Shuttle and the unveiled new brand identity of the airline’s inflight entertainment during a press conference on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) – the Middle East’s premier travel show – taking place in Dubai this week.

Speaking to the press, Mr. Al Baker said: "The Doha-Dubai Shuttle caters to the needs of both business and leisure travellers, and provides them with a more convenient and time-saving option when travelling between the two cities. We are very excited to offer our passengers this fantastic new service that shows our passengers how much we appreciate them and value their time." Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker announces the carrier's 2015 expansion plans and latest undertakings during a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker announces the carrier's 2015 expansion plans and latest undertakings during a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

Specially branded and dedicated check-in counters located at Row 5 at Hamad International Airport will be available for all passengers travelling from Doha to Dubai on the Doha-Dubai Shuttle. Passengers who plan on checking in baggage must check in no later than one hour before their scheduled departure time. Return flights from Dubai to Doha also require check in of a minimum of one hour before the scheduled departure time for all passengers, including those with only hand baggage.

Passengers flying on the Qatar Airways Doha-Dubai Shuttle will also be able to take advantage of fast-track immigration in Doha, allowing them to clear passport control in a minimum amount of time before proceeding to their boarding gates located in either Concourse A or B, which are no more than a seven to 10 minute walk, on average, from passport control.

Passengers buying the Doha-Dubai Shuttle tickets will have the opportunity to amend their ticket once free-of-charge.

Moreover, members of Qatar Airways’ frequent flyer programme, Privilege Club, will receive double Qmiles when travelling on the Doha-Dubai Shuttle, until 31st July, 2015.

Apart from the new shuttle service to Dubai, those attending the press conference were also updated on Qatar Airways’ enhanced inflight entertainment content on the newly branded "Oryx One" system with a staggering choice of more than 2,000 entertainment options, providing passengers with one of the world’s best inflight experiences.

Mr. Al Baker reiterated Qatar Airways’ ongoing commitment to the UAE market with the launch of daily flights to Ras Al Khaimah from 1st October, 2015. He went on to explain the importance of growth in the market, saying: "We have had a well-established operation in the UAE for many years and with the launch of flights to Ras Al Khaimah, the travelling public will have even greater options with 196 weekly flights to the UAE." During the press conference, the Middle East and international media were also given an update on the latest amenities on board for First, Business and Economy Class passengers. First Class passengers will now enjoy luxurious male and female sleeper suits from Italian designer Missoni, complemented by amenity kits by Giorgio Armani. Business Class passengers will enjoy Giorgio Armani amenity kits, tailored to male or female passengers and be able to savour the newly introduced Ladur?e Parisian delicacies, available in both First and Business cabins, while Economy Class passengers will also benefit from newly designed amenity kits.

Mr. Al Baker also provided an update on the latest developments at Hamad International Airport – Qatar’s brand new airport which successfully completes one year of operations this month. The airport which has served over 28 million passengers in one year won three awards at the recently held Skytrax Airport Award ceremony in recognition of outstanding performance and services including the Best Airport in the Middle East award.

Qatar Airways, the airline operator of Hamad International Airport has seen rapid growth in just 18 years of operation, to the point where today it is flying a modern fleet of 156 aircraft to 146 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

Qatar Airways has so far announced an the addition of seven destinations to its international map this year – Amsterdam, Ras Al Khaimah, Zanzibar, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan and Durban – and is gearing up for more route expansion in 2016 with three new US cities, Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta.