Qatar Airways has officially announced that it will join Oneworld after weeks of speculation that the airline would become a member of the alliance.
The Doha-based carrier is the first of the three major airlines based in the Gulf (the others being Emirates and Etihad) to sign for any of the global airline alliances. The Doha-based airline's implementation into Oneworld is expected to take between 12 and 18 months.
British Airways will serve as Qatar’s sponsor in joining Oneworld, supported by the central alliance team, as they mentor the recruit through its alliance implementation programme.
Qatar Airways will be Oneworld's second member airline based in the Middle East, alongside Royal Jordanian, which became the first airline from the region to join any of the global alliances when it became a member in 2007.
Qatar Airways' network serves 120 destinations in 70 countries in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, North and South America, Asia and Australasia. Fifteen of its destinations and three countries - Iran, Rwanda and the Seychelles - will be new to Oneworld.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said: "Alliances are playing an increasingly important role in the airline industry today - and that will continue long into the future.
“Qatar Airways has carefully reviewed its strategic options and it is very clear that joining Oneworld is by far the best way forward for us as we look to strengthen our competitive offering and give passengers what they fully deserve - more choice.”
Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, added: “In Qatar Airways, Oneworld is pleased to welcome another great airline that will enhance Oneworld's network and product offerings in one of the world's fastest growing regions for air travel demand.”
The news came on the same day that Etihad, Air Berlin and Air France / KLM announced a series of codeshares which will see passengers from all four airlines move across each others’ networks
Qatar Airways already codeshares with Oneworld member designate Malaysia Airlines. Once Qatar becomes part of Oneworld, its Privilege Club frequent flyer members will be able to earn and redeem rewards on any other alliance carriers, with top tier members able to use any of the group's 550 plus airport lounges.
At the same time, frequent flyer cardholders of other Oneworld airlines will be able to earn and redeem rewards when flying on Qatar Airways and can access Qatar Airways' lounges.