UK flag carrier British Airways (BA) and Qatar Airways have announced the expansion of their partnership, adding added 42 new countries to their shared network. This brings the total number of destinations served by the two airlines to 185 across more than 60 countries.
The new countries include Italy, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, the Maldives. The partnership will also provide air travelers with enhanced direct and connecting flight access between various destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania.
“The expansion will enable seamless connecting journeys on single tickets through Doha and London,” British Airways said in a statement dated September 26, 2022. “The complementary networks uniquely access dozens of countries that no other alliance or joint business provides. The partnership also ensures access to more cities around the world than ever before, continuing to support global trade, tourism, investment, and cultural connection.”
The expanded partnership also includes shared loyalty programs. For instance, travelers will now be able to link their Qatar Airways Privilege Club and British Airways Executive Club accounts making it possible to transfer Avios, the virtual frequent travel reward currency, between both air carriers. Both British Airways and Qatar passengers will also be allowed to combine their balances to claim rewards offered by each program, BA added.
“The collaboration also offers access to both airline’s exclusive lounges, and cabins to suit all budgets and needs, including British Airways’ new Club Suite and Qatar Airways’ award-winning Qsuite,” the airline explained.