British and Qatar Airways Add 42 Countries to Shared Network

(27/09/22)  British Airways and Qatar Airways have completed the latest phase in the expansion of their partnership, offering global connectivity between more countries than any other airline joint business.

The airlines have added 42 countries to their shared network, including Italy, Maldives, Norway, Singapore and Sweden - giving passengers enhanced access between destinations in Europe and the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

The expansion gives travellers more choice in prices and schedules with options for direct flights as well as connections via hubs in London and Doha.

British Airways B787-9 reg: G-ZBKP. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

“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,” said Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for British Airways. “From idyllic holiday hotspots such as 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.”

The expansion will enable seamless 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.

Customers can seamlessly 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.

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, 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.”

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

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