British Airways and Qatar Airways have announced the next stage of their partnership to offer further connectivity to its passengers.
All together now – Image, British Airways
The airlines have added 42 new countries to their shared network, including Italy, the Maldives, Norway, Singapore, and Sweden, giving passengers enhanced access between destinations in Europe and the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Customers will now benefit from a greater choice in prices and schedules with options for direct flights as well as connections via hubs in London and Doha.
This is all part of Qatar Airways and British Airways’ plan to “Move Further Together” by enhancing the joint network.
The expansion will enable connecting journeys on single tickets through Doha and London, bringing the total number of destinations served by the two airlines to 185 across more than 60 countries.
There’s a loyalty angle too
As we all know, Qatar Airways dropped its QPoints for Avios – which just happens to be the IAG currency (British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, LEVEL, etc). The idea for passengers is that you can engage with a loyalty programme that suits you for your earn and burn (although those who are focusing on elite status should focus on a programme that suits their needs).
You can link your Qatar Airways Privilege Club and British Airways Executive Club accounts to transfer Avios between the two and combine balances to claim rewards offered by each programme.
The collaboration also offers access to both airlines’ lounges, and cabins to suit all budgets and needs, including British Airways’ new Club Suite and Qatar Airways’ Qsuite.
In Quotes
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Mr Akbar Al Baker said:
“The growing collaboration between Qatar Airways and British Airways shows our customers our common goal to offer an unparalleled network with unique benefits. Travellers can now experience the best in quality and service as they travel across our joint network. The joint business between our airlines cements both Qatar Airways and British Airways as industry leaders, aiming to provide the utmost flexibility and unrivalled connectivity to our customers.”
Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for British Airways said:
“This is a huge milestone in our long-standing relationship with Qatar Airways, an airline that shares our passion for customer service, choice and flexibility.
“From idyllic holiday hotspots such as the Maldives and Thailand, to business hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong, we are pleased to open up the world as the travel industry continues to make steps towards its recovery.”
Additional Connections are always welcome
Aviation networks are about connections and getting passengers/cargo from one place to another – and for passengers who need to take advantage of deeper codeshares and networks that are operated out of the Doha and London hubs, it will give passengers the choice, whilst having the comfort of a single ticket.
The loyalty benefits too will be helpful (provided they are managed equally).
As airlines continue to knit their networks together to improve connectivity (and thus keep passengers on metal that generates revenue for them), the trends of codeshares, partnerships and alliances will not be going away soon.
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