Qatar Airways and British Airways (BA) has extended their joint business, citing expansion plans and access to more destinations across both airlines’ networks. The airlines expect to receive news of regulatory approval for their expansion in the first half of 2022.
The proposed expansion comes as British Airways returns to Doha International Airport (DIA), with its first flight from London Gatwick (LGW) since the beginning of the pandemic.
The extended partnership will boost connectivity between Europe and popular long-haul destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia, such as Singapore, Sydney, Colombo and Nairobi.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “Expanding our Joint Business with our strategic airline partner, British Airways, is an important milestone in our ambition of providing customers access to the most extensive route network and unrivalled product.”
Currently, both airlines are operating up to six flights between Doha and London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick.
“The launch of our first flight from Gatwick to Doha was an important milestone in our existing joint business with Qatar Airways. The proposed expansion of the joint business will be great news for customers, offering them access to more destinations across the world with seamless connections,” Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said.