QF to join forces with Qatar [?]

[markis10]

Not surprising news.

QATAR Airways is set to become the missing Qantas link to extra European destinations via the Middle East by forming a formal alliance with the flying kangaroo in the next year.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker confirmed in Perth today that the Doha-based airline will talk with Qantas senior executives next week on plans between the two airlines to form a strategic alliance.
He said the formal code sharing arrangement would mean ''joint flights'' with the QF Qantas flight code being carried by Qatar services with seamless transfers to Australian domestic services.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/busines...th-qatar-airways/story-fn7j19iv-1226417059948

 

[haydensydney]

Qatar and Qantas set to codeshare

News hot off the press is that Qantas and Qatar may tie the knot in a codeshare agreement sometime next year. Execs from the Doha based airline will next week discuss the plans with the Qantas team on forming an alliance.

Mr Al Baker, CEO of Qatar, said ”Qantas under Alan Joyce has taken a very positive attitude towards Qatar and Emirates and we hope that both our airlines will be able to work with Qantas closely going forward. We can only make ourselves stronger with this sort of partnership.”

The two Q's: Qantas and Qatar to codeshare | flymefunky.com

I'm quite happy about this codeshare as it will open up another route to get to Europe whilst (presumably) scoring FF reciprocity. And I think the Qatar offering is quite luxurious and special, especially its lounges etc in Doha.

Bummer Qatar won't be coming to Sydney!

 

[gogo419]

I know its to early to say.. But do these sort of alliances normally lead to being able to earn points and SC on a QATAR flight number as well? Or would it be only restricted to earning on QF flight numbers that are booked on QATAR metal??

gogo

 

[danny09]

Just Awesome, about time for QF, i really hope this does go ahead as planned

 

[elbarto]

I know its to early to say.. But do these sort of alliances normally lead to being able to earn points and SC on a QATAR flight number as well? Or would it be only restricted to earning on QF flight numbers that are booked on QATAR metal??

gogo

Depends on the depth of the agreement. But they will when QR joins One World.

 

[anat0l]

It's like a hooker on the first night of the job, trying desperately to find anyone to go to bed with!

...thy name is Qantas.


I don't see how QR and EK can both do a deal with QF and both feel content with that arrangement. Surely it can only be one or the other (if not, none of them).

 

[yohy?!]

It's like a hooker on the first night of the job, trying desperately to find anyone to go to bed with!

LOL except this hooker's been around the block so many times she's worn the pavement down.

Seriously though a bit of a hollow announcement - QR will feed QF's network woo hoooo

 

[airbound]

Depends on the depth of the agreement. But they will when QR joins One World.

There's confidence elbarto!

 

[kelvedon]

It's 5 star skytrax rating and 34" Y seating gives a welcome alternative to Europe.

 

[richie9x]

I know its to early to say.. But do these sort of alliances normally lead to being able to earn points and SC on a QATAR flight number as well? Or would it be only restricted to earning on QF flight numbers that are booked on QATAR metal??

Currently Qnatas SCs are only earned on OW airlines, Jetstar or Air Pacific. All other partner airlines only allow you to earn QFF points only when flying on their marketed flights, no status credits. I expect Qatar to be similar. So if flying on Qatar metal you will only earn QFF points, you would only earn SCs if on a QF codeshare.

 

[elbarto]

There's confidence elbarto!

I asked my magic 8 ball and it came back with all signs point to oneworld

 

[Pleb Status]

Re: Qatar and Qantas set to codeshare

QR have just kicked off flights to PER. WA government have paid them $1.2M to bring tourists to WA.

 

[Flying Fox]

Re: Qatar and Qantas set to codeshare

Excellent!

Next EK please.

 

[Timba-Jet]

What is the likelihood We will see QF metal to Doha, then onward codeshares to Europe/M.East/Africa/sub continent?

Yes wishful thinking but would be good for customers.

 

[N860CR]

Interesting they're playing the Middle East game again. Remember, it was QF not DJ who initially set up a codeshare/partnership with Etihad, QF just didn't play the game in the long run.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Like!!!!!!

 

[Danger]

The first Qatar flight into Perth arrived yesterday, I think, so this arrangement would be a welcome benefit for WA-based QFFs.

 

[wingspan]

Re: Qatar and Qantas set to codeshare

Hmmm exciting but it's a pity I won't be able to earn SCs on my upcoming QR flight in September

 

[serfty]

Re: Qatar and Qantas set to codeshare

Key words are "will" and "on forming" - it may be that nothing is final currently ...

... airline will next week discuss the plans with the Qantas team on forming an alliance ...

However, there is confidence:

...Mr Al Baker said a codeshare pact with Qantas would have twofold benefits, allowing the Australian flag carrier to expand its European network, while QR could increase its options into Australia.


''Most certainly we will have a partnership with Qantas,'' he said today.

 

[YQY]

Re: Qatar and Qantas set to codeshare

BA maybe having talks with Qatar as well.

It would be excellent if Qatar join Oneworld as per this article --> oneworld's BA and Qantas may shake up global alliances irreversibly as Emirates and Qatar enter | CAPA