03 February 2016
150 international destinations via Doha for Northern Emirates' catchment

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE: At 10:30pm last night QR1120 landed at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, marking the start of scheduled services between the Emirate and Doha.

In a short ceremony H. E. Engr. Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Department of Civil Aviation, Mohammed Qazi, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority welcomed the airline and senior Qatar Airways delegates on the flight, headed by Chief Commercial Officer Dr. Hugh Dunleavy. H.E. also expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for his visionary leadership and continuous support in developing the Emirate's aviation potential.

His Excellency remarked, "Qatar Airways' arrival today is major milestone for Ras Al Khaimah on a journey we started almost 4 years ago.  Through Qatar Airways Ras Al Khaimah will have stronger connections to the wider world, including our existing tourism source markets in Europe, CIS, and Russia as well as new markets such as China and India, where we are promoting Ras Al Khaimah as the authentic tourist destination of the country.  It also presents an efficient option for the Emirate's business community and their visitors, will positively fuel our cargo growth, support the economy and raise the profile of the destination as a whole.  We'd like to thank Qatar Airways for their support".

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said, "We are delighted to launch our newest route in the United Arab Emirates - Ras Al Khaimah. Qatar Airways' network expansion will undoubtedly increase the flexibility and choice for our passengers to travel to and from different emirates in the UAE. And we are looking forward to enhance worldwide travel opportunities from Europe, Asia and Americas to new tourist destinations in the region such as Ras Al Khaimah."

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport's CEO, Mohammed Qazi, commented, "Qatar Airways will serve the Northern Emirates catchment for both inbound and outbound traffic.  This is a catchment area of over 1m people who will gain much needed long haul connectivity via RAK International Airport, the Northern Emirates' Gateway. RAK International is accessible and convenient to travel through, allowing those local communities who have been waiting to take advantage of these new connections."

Qatar Airways will initially operate 4 flights a week with the hope that the frequency levels will develop into a daily service in near future.

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is already home to region's largest low cost carrier, Air Arabia, which currently operates 10 routes with more destination plans in the pipeline for 2016 and beyond.

With the addition of Qatar Airways, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is rapidly becoming a connected hub offering both low cost and full service options, for the modern discerning traveller.

An Airbus A320 operates the Ras Al Khaimah route, featuring 144 seats in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy.

The Doha - Ras Al Khaimah 4 weekly operations:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday:
Depart Doha QR1120 at 20:15, arrive Ras Al Khaimah at 22:30
Depart Ras Al Khaimah QR1121 at 23:30, arrive Doha at 23:45

© Press Release 2016