Oneworld airline alliance duo British Airways (BA, London Heathrow) and Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Hamad International) have finalised the latest expansion of their already comprehensive joint venture arrangement. On September 26, the two airlines rolled out the update which they say offers more global connectivity between more countries than any other airline joint venture.
"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," a statement from the two airlines said. "Customers will now benefit from even greater choices in prices and schedules with options for direct flights as well as connections via hubs in London Heathrow and Doha Hamad International."
The ch-aviation PRO airlines module reveals Qatar Airways operates 245 aircraft to fly to 193 airports in 88 countries while British Airways has 286 aircraft that fly to 207 destinations in 76 countries. In the week starting September 26, British Airways is offering 948,625 seats across 5,087 flights and Qatar Airways is providing 808,848 seats over 3,426 flights. Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO at British Airways, calls the expansion of the joint venture a "huge milestone," while Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker says the goal is to offer an "unparalleled network with unique benefits."
"We are pleased to open up the world as the travel industry continues to make steps towards its recovery," adds Doyle.
