Emirates on Thursday launched the world’s shortest scheduled A380 service, flying a distance of 379 kilometres with a total travel time of 1 hour and 20 minutes from Dubai to Doha, and 1 hour 10 minutes on the return journey.

The A380 flight touched down on Thursday morning at Hamad International Airport, taxiing in to a water cannon salute and was welcomed by key officials and trade guests at an Emirates reception at the terminal.

At the terminal, guests enjoyed a guided static tour of the iconic double-decker aircraft. The tour gave guests a chance to see first-hand some of the most iconic Emirates amenities, like the First Class Private Suites, Shower Spas and the Onboard lounge for First Class and Business Class passengers.

Emirates has steadily grown its presence in Doha and now operates with nine daily flights, making it the most served destination in the airline’s network.

Demand between Dubai and Doha is strong, the airline said, adding that in the last five years Emirates has carried over 3.7 million passengers between the two cities.

The Emirates A380 serving Doha operates in a three-class configuration, with 429 generously pitched seats in Economy Class on the main deck, 76 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 14 First Class Private Suites on the upper deck.

The double-decker A380 is the world’s largest commercial aircraft in service and Emirates is the largest operator of this aircraft with 87 A380s in service and 55 pending delivery. The airline currently operates the A380 to over 45 global destinations.