Just like every year, airlines and hotels launch new services and make exciting announcements at the region’s largest travel trade fair, the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Here are the highlights in case you missed them.
QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways took the cake for most airline announcements this ATM.
Apart from introducing a ‘shuttle service’ between Doha and Dubai, the airline made a strategic partnership with Air Maroc and added Ras Al Khaimah to its UAE portfolio and rebranded its online entertainment programe.
The shuttle: Special prices for the Doha-Dubai Shuttle start at QR530 ($145), and include dedicated check-in counters facilities, reduced check-in times and fast-track immigration for 18 flights a day between Doha and Dubai.
The shuttle will offer flights from Doha’s Hamad International Airport to Dubai International Airport, as well as Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. 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 “Oryx One – Explore. Play. Share.”
The RAK connection: From October 1 this year, Qatar Airways will expand its UAE services with the launch of seven weekly flights to Ras Al Khaimah, making a total of 196 weekly flights to the UAE.
Operating daily, QR1120 will depart Doha’s Hamad International Airport at 20:15 hours and arrive at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport at 22.30 hours. The return flight QR1121 will depart at 23:30 hours and arrive in Doha at 23:45 hours.
Royal Air Maroc partnership: Qatar Airways and Royal Air Maroc will operate 10 weekly flights between Casablanca and Doha. The joint business will benefit passengers by providing enhanced links between Qatar and Morocco, greater choice of flights to more destinations and improved frequent flyer benefits. With this new agreement, passengers will be able to purchase a single itinerary combining flights on both carriers’ global networks, affording them the ease of one-stop ticketing and baggage check-in.
FLYNAS
flynas, the Saudi Arabian national carrier, announced the launch of its inaugural loyalty programme ‘nasmiles’, during ATM to ensure an all-inclusive and rewarding experience for its rapidly growing faction of frequent flyers. Under this programme, members will receive up to 5 per cent return on spends and other ancillary services including excess baggage, seat selection, meals and exclusive lounge access.
TURKISH AIRLINES
Turkish Airlines launched WE’R brand of products at ATM amidst raffles of tickets to various destinations. WE’R products are unique examples of the quality and authenticity that have won Turkish Airlines numerous awards in economy and business class catering. Since then the airline has taken delivery of its 125th airplane purchased from Boeing – a Next-Generation 737-900ER, one of 12 airplanes that the Turkish flag-carrier will take delivery of this year.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Etihad Airways promoted its highly acclaimed brand campaign starring Australian actress Nicole Kidman, the airline’s partnership with Alitalia for the Expo Milano 2015, and Etihad Airways Partners, at ATM last month. The Residence by Etihad, the airline’s ultra-luxurious and private three-room suite on-board its A380, was showcased on the ground floor of the stand, accompanied by screenings of the new Nicole Kidman marketing campaign commercial.