Qatar Airways becomes first major Gulf-based carrier to join Oneworld alliance

Qatar Airways recently announced it has now become the first major Gulf-based carrier to join the leading global airline alliance Oneworld.

Bruce Ashby, Chief Executive Officer of Oneworld, said that it is a matter of great delight and proud moment for Oneworld – the first of the global alliances – to welcome a member airline from the Middle East region.

He said that by joining Oneworld the customers booking Qatar Airways flights would be able to enjoy the benefits and services offered by both Oneworld and Qatar Airways.

Ashby further said that Oneworld considers Qatar Airways to be best suited for its network, strategy, philosophy and requirements. The integration of Qatar Airways into Oneworld alliance is likely to take 12 to 18 months.

Akbar al-Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, said that presently alliances have now come to play a vital role in the global aviation industry and is going to continue long into the future.

He said that Qatar Airways has joined Oneworld alliance for gaining market share and to significantly reduce margins because of spiraling jet fuel prices globally.