Qatar Airways and British Airways partner up for mega-expansion

Qatar Airways and British Airways have completed their expansion, with 42 new countries added to their shared network.

Among the destinations are Italy, the Maldives, Norway, Singapore, and Sweden, giving travellers more access to destinations in Europe and the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

The partnership will bring the total number of destinations served by the two airlines to 185 across more than 60 countries and will allow more competitive prices for connections via hubs in London and Doha.

Customers will be able to utilise both airlines’ loyalty programmes, earning and spending Avios, the airlines’ common currency. Customers can link their 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 airline’s lounges and cabins, including British Airways’ new Club Suite and Qatar Airways’ Qsuite.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, His Excellency 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 CEO of 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, we are pleased to open up the world as the travel industry continues to make steps towards its recovery.”

Cooperation on a small number of routes remains subject to pending regulatory clearances.