British Airways and Qatar Airways have further expanded their existing partnership to create the world’s largest airline joint business.
The two Oneworld alliance members said the new arrangements would allow travellers to book single tickets to more destinations through their hubs in London and Doha, as well as giving increased access to both airlines’ loyalty programmes.
BA and Qatar Airways have added 42 countries to their shared network, including destinations in Italy, Norway, Sweden and Singapore, as part of their “Move Further Together” programme.
The expansion means that the joint business covers 185 destinations in 60-plus countries, which can be booked on single tickets through London and Doha.
Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways, said: “This is a huge milestone in our longstanding relationship with Qatar Airways, an airline that shares our passion for customer service, choice and flexibility.”
Customers will also be given “more freedom to engage” with both BA and Qatar Airways’ loyalty schemes. This includes the ability for members to link Qatar Airways Privilege Club and British Airways Executive Club accounts to transfer Avios points between the two so they can combine balances to claim rewards offered by each programme.
Travellers can also access both airlines’ airport lounges and onboard cabins, including BA’s new Club Suite and Qsuite on Qatar Airways’ flights.
Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker added: “The growing collaboration between Qatar Airways and British Airways shows our customers our common goal to offer an unparalleled network with unique benefits.
“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.”
In a joint statement, the airlines added that co-operation on a “small number” of routes was still subject to pending regulatory clearances.