Qatar Airways begins Doha-Dubai shuttle service

Qatar Airways has launched the Doha-Dubai Shuttle, a “first of its kind” service between the two cities that will make travel between Doha and Dubai a “whole lot smoother”, the airline said in a statement yesterday.Having launched this week, the Doha-Dubai Shuttle will offer flights from Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) to Dubai International Airport as well as Al Maktoum International Airport.The new service 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, according to the statement.Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker announced the launch of the Doha-Dubai Shuttle and unveiled the new brand identity of the airline’s in-flight entertainment during a press conference on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market – the Middle East’s premier travel show – taking place in Dubai this week.Specially branded and dedicated check-in counters located in Row 5 of HIA will be available for all passengers travelling from Doha to Dubai on the 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 an 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 shuttle until July 31.Speaking to the press, 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.”Passengers on the Doha-Dubai Shuttle will also be able to enjoy the newly unveiled Qatar Airways in-flight 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”, the statement adds. Page 32HIA ‘serves more than 28mn passengers’Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar al-Baker provided an update on the latest developments at Hamad International Airport (HIA), which successfully completes one year of operations this month, at a press conference held as part of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.The airport, which has served more than 28mn 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 HIA, has so far announced 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 further route expansion in 2016 with three new US cities - Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta.