JetBlue and Qatar Airways further enhance codeshare agreement

JetBlue has expanded its relationship with Doha-based Qatar Airways with the expansion of the airlines’ codeshare agreement. This expansion will allow JetBlue customers to enjoy unrivalled travel options between the United States and 11 new markets, in eight countries, across Africa and Asia via Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH). 

The JetBlue code is now available on flights between Doha and:

Accra, Ghana (ACC)

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ADD)

Alexandria, Egypt (HBE)

Bangkok, Thailand (BKK)

Cairo, Egypt (CAI)

Denpasar-Bali, Indonesia (DPS)

Harare, Zimbabwe (HRE)

Jakarta, Indonesia (CGK)

Khartoum, Sudan (KRT)

Phuket, Thailand (HKT)

Windhoek, Namibia (WDH)

These 11 new markets will be added to the 13 existing codeshare destinations already available to JetBlue customers within the Qatar Airways Network of Excellence in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

“Together with Qatar Airways, we’re connecting more customers to more outstanding destinations, all while providing them with industry-leading experiences onboard our two airlines,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “Qatar Airways is already our top internationally-based partner for connecting customers across the Americas to its worldwide network, and as we continue to strengthen our relationship we’re giving travelers a variety of fresh choices for flying to new corners of the globe.”

This expanded codeshare agreement builds on the airlines’ partnership that first began in 2011. Qatar Airways passengers already benefit from access to more than 50 destinations across the JetBlue network, including the ability to book travels on JetBlue’s extensive options between the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America regions.

Qatar Airways and British Airways joint venture tie up.

A warn welcome from the crew   Photo British Airways

Qatar Airways and British Airways have completed the latest phase in the expansion of their partnership, offering global connectivity between more countries than any other airline joint business.

The airlines have added 42 new countries to their shared network, including Italy, the Maldives, Norway, Singapore, and Sweden, giving passengers enhanced access between destinations in Europe and the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Customers will now benefit from even greater choices in prices and schedules with options for direct flights as well as connections via hubs in London and Doha. This is all part of Qatar Airways and British Airways' plan to “Move Further Together” by enhancing the joint network and providing passengers with the best of both airlines.

The expansion will enable seamless connecting journeys on single tickets through Doha and London, bringing the total number of destinations served by the two airlines to 185 across more than 60 countries. 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.

Additionally, customers will have more freedom to engage with both airlines’ loyalty programmes, earning and spending Avios, their common currency. Customers are able to seamlessly link their Qatar Airways Privilege Club and British Airways Executive Club accounts to transfer Avios between the two, and combine balances to claim rewards offered by each programme. 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.

Qatar Airways named World’s Best Airline for seventh time at 2022 Skytrax World Airline Awards

Qatar Airways has been voted the World’s Best Airline for a record seventh time at the 2022 World Airline Awards, winning the prestigious Airline of the Year 2022 title.

After two years of virtual award ceremonies, the 2022 World Airline Awards event returned to normal procedures, with airlines from around the world attending the 2022 awards ceremony, held today at the historic Langham Hotel in London, United Kingdom.

Widely regarded as ‘the Oscars of the aviation industry’, the World Airline Awards began in 1999, and remain totally independent and impartial with all of the customer survey costs and awards event paid by the organisers, Skytrax.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “To be named as the World’s Best Airline was always a goal when Qatar Airways was created, but to win it for the seventh time and pick up three additional awards is a testament to all the hard work of our incredible employees. Their continued dedication and drive is to ensure our passengers have the best experience possible when they fly with Qatar Airways. To win these awards in the same year that we celebrate our 25th anniversary is even more rewarding and I want to offer a sincere thanks to all our passengers who voted for us. Your support drives us to greater achievements every day, we value your loyalty and aim to create memories of a lifetime when you fly with Qatar Airways.”

Singapore Airlines takes second position in the world, with Emirates third, ANA All Nippon Airways fourth, and Qantas Airways in fifth position, out of more than 350 airlines included in the survey results.

Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: “To receive the 2022 World’s Best Airline award is a great recognition of Qatar Airways high standards, and recognises the hard work and dedication from every member of the airline’s staff to satisfy customers. Qatar Airways was the largest airline to have flown consistently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with their network never falling below 30 destinations, and that determination has clearly been well recognised by customers with this award as Airline of the Year 2022. For Qatar Airways to achieve this top accolade for a seventh time is both a unique and remarkable achievement, and we congratulate them for this success.”

Big winners at the awards included Qatar Airways who scooped nine award wins, with Singapore Airlines also receiving nine awards. Delta Air Lines was the success in North America, winning six awards. In Europe, Turkish Airlines was dominant, receiving four awards including the highly competitive Best Airline in Europe title.

India’s Vistara was another key winner, receiving two awards, the Best Airline in India and Southern Asia and Best Airline Staff Service in India and Southern Asia. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer of Vistara said “It is incredibly heartening for all of us at Vistara to win these awards, which reaffirms the steadfast trust our customers have in us and is a true testament to Vistara setting global benchmarks for excellence in operations and service delivery.”

airBaltic celebrated success at the 2022 World Airline Awards for the first time, receiving the awards for the Best Airline in Eastern Europe, the Most Improved Airline in Europe and the Best Airline Staff in Eastern Europe. Martin Gauss, President and CEO at airBaltic: “We at airBaltic are continuously working on improving and innovating. There is an incredible motivation, dedication and passion within the airBaltic team towards what we do. Therefore I am proud and honoured to receive this award today on behalf of our team and to see our work and efforts being recognized on an international scale.”

It is getting very arty at Doha's Hamad International Airport’s (HIA)

Discover Qatar in collaboration with Qatar Museums, introduces travellers to Hamad International Airport’s (HIA) world-class art installations

An exclusive tour featuring an impressive collection of art by world-renowned artists including Ahmed Al Bahrani, Jean-Michel Othoniel, KAWS, Tom Otterness, Urs Fischer and others

Discover Qatar, the World’s Best Airport - Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Qatar Museums have debuted a one-of-kind collaboration for passengers travelling via the award-winning airport. The ‘Discover the Art of the Airport’, is a unique walking tour through an immersive experience where guests can view impressive sculptures and art installations by leading artists from around the world.

Under the patronage of Her Excellency, Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, remarkable art objects created by local, regional and international artists have been placed throughout HIA. Artworks curated by Qatar Museums' Public Art Department can be seen in different parts of HIA, encouraging dialogue and public interaction, while adding character and personality to the airport’s open spaces.

The works of art include ‘Other Worlds’ by American artist Tom Otterness; ‘Small Lie’ by American artist KAWS; ‘Cosmos’ by French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel; ‘A Message of Peace to the World’ by Iraqi artist Ahmed Al Bahrani; and ‘Lamp Bear’ by Swiss artist Urs Fischer are just a few of the permanent installations at HIA that inspire passengers to communicate in the universal language of art, transcending linguistic barriers and forming connections between people from different continents while turning travel into an exciting art experience.

Qatar Airways wins the “Airline of the Year” Award by Skytrax

Qatar Airways also named World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining and Best Airline in the Middle East

Fitting tribute as the Airline celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2022

Congratulations Qatar Airways  Photo Qatar Airways

As the airline proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2022, Qatar Airways has been named “Airline of the Year” by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax, for an unprecedented seventh time. At a glittering event in London earlier today, the leading global airline also took home three additional awards including World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining, and Best Airline in the Middle East. Qatar Airways has been named ‘Airline of the Year’ in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and now 2022.

The prestigious 2022 Skytrax awards are coveted within the industry due to their reputation as the benchmark for excellence and distinction. Qatar Airways home airport and hub, Hamad International Airport, was also recently voted the World’s Best Airport 2022, taking home the award for the second year in succession, ensuring that passengers can relax and enjoy their flights knowing they are travelling with the World’s Best Airline through the World’s Best Airport.

The airline’s premium cabin featuring the patented Qsuite, has been voted World’s Best Business Class for the sixth year running while the Al Mourjan lounge was recognised for its outstanding culinary excellence and was awarded the World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining. In a further endorsement of its leading role not just in global aviation, but also within a highly competitive region, Qatar Airways was also announced as Best Airline in the Middle East, a strong affirmation of its reputation for excellence, a strong global network, leading global partnerships and every passenger journey having a touchpoint with Hamad International Airport.

Qatar Airways to fly Airbus A380 back to Perth, Australia with daily from 6 December 2022

Photo Qatar Airways

Starting 6 December 2022, Qatar Airways will be increasing passenger capacity on its flights to and from Perth. Previously operated by the Boeing B777-300ER, passengers will now have a chance to journey on board the A380, featuring a three-class configuration of seating over two decks with a dedicated onboard premium lounge. The aircraft will accommodate an additional 163 passengers daily adding up to 517 seats spread across the three cabins: eight First Class seats, 48 Business Class seats and 461 Economy Class seats.

This update is part of the recent strategic partnership between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia. This expanded codeshare significantly expands the networks, lounges and loyalty programs of both airlines, bringing substantial benefits and new destinations to travellers. Launched in September 2022, the partnership opens seamless travel to over 150 destinations across the extensive Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia networks, creating a new gateway of seamless travel between Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa, including popular destinations such as London, Paris, Rome and Athens. 

Perth is one of Australia’s most cultural cities, with its origins woven into many of its landmarks. The increased capacity extends Qatar Airways’ commitment to the Australian community by providing greater opportunities for connections to many destinations in its global network.

Finnair to launch daily services from Nordic capitals to Doha in strategic partnership with Qatar Airways

Finnair to launch daily services from Nordic capitals to Doha in strategic partnership with Qatar Airways

Finnair and oneworld partner Qatar Airways have concluded an agreement to establish a long-term strategic cooperation between Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen and Doha. Finnair and Qatar Airways are exploring opening services also between another European destination and Doha.

These services will be supported by a comprehensive codeshare agreement with shared passenger and cargo capacity between both airlines.

Customers from the three Nordic cities will benefit from seamless connections via Doha to Qatar Airways’ extensive network of around 100 destinations across Australasia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The collaboration will also open new destinations and connection opportunities across Finnair’s Nordic network for Qatar Airways’ customers.

The services are planned to start between November and December 2022. They will be operated with Finnair’s Airbus A330 aircraft featuring Finnair’s new long-haul cabins, including industry-leading Air Lounge business class seats, a brand-new premium economy travel class and refreshed economy class.

The flights to Doha are to be sold and marketed by both Finnair and Qatar Airways as per the schedule below: 

7 weekly flights to and from Helsinki 

7 weekly flights to and from Stockholm 

7 weekly flights to and from Copenhagen 

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “As a fellow oneworld member, we enjoy a close relationship with Finnair and these new services to Hamad International Airport are an example of Qatar Airways working with partners for the benefit of our joint customers. This strategic partnership demonstrates our commitment to the Nordic markets and strengthens our position as the leading Middle East carrier in this important region. This partnership will be the foundation for the future expansion here.” 

Mr. Al Baker added: “Soon, Doha will be the Oneworld hub bringing more airline partners together than ever before. With this codeshare agreement, travellers from the Nordics will continue to have excellent connectivity to Doha with Finnair and onwards with Qatar Airways to attractive leisure and key business destinations across Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Middle East.” 

 

“We are delighted to expand our collaboration with our oneworld partner Qatar Airways, offering new connections between Doha and the three Nordic capitals”, says Finnair CEO Topi Manner. “The role of Doha as an international hub is growing, and Qatar Airways has extensive connections from Doha onwards to for example Australasia, the Middle East and Africa.” 

Qatar Airways becomes Official Airline Partner of the Global IRONMAN Series and IRONMAN 70.3 Series

Qatar Airways and IRONMAN have entered a long-term global partnership, making Qatar Airways the Official Airline Partner of the Global IRONMAN® Series and IRONMAN® 70.3® Series through the 2025 season. In addition, Qatar Airways will be the title partner of the 2022 editions of IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast, IRONMAN Maryland, IRONMAN 70.3 Washington, and IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney triathlons and will connect athletes, officials, and fans via Brisbane Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and Sydney Airport, respectively. Qatar Tourism will also be promoted to athletes and spectators across the global IRONMAN series as part of the partnership.

As part of the partnership, athletes travelling to IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3 events using Qatar Airways will have access to a range of benefits, such as promotional fares for themselves and family members, and for those travelling to or via Qatar, additional special offers to Doha attractions are also included. Furthermore, athletes who have completed an IRONMAN or an IRONMAN 70.3 event within the last 12 months will also be eligible to other unique benefits. To learn more about the benefits, please visit: qatarairways.com/IRONMAN

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: "Our partnership with The IRONMAN Group is a natural fit for our brand, where human endeavour proves that anything is possible. We admire the relentless effort and dedication of the athletes, attributes we strive to reflect in the way we serve our customers.” 

H.E. Mr Akbar Al Baker added: “IRONMAN races are hosted in different cities across the world, making our global network the perfect medium through which to connect endurance sports enthusiasts, athletes, supporters, and officials.”

Qatar Airways orders 25 MAX jets from Boeing

Qatar Airways signed a deal for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft during the Farnborough International Airshow today.

"We are honoured that Qatar Airways has decided to add Boeing's single-aisle family to its fleet, deepening our relationship with this world-class airline," said Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. "The 737-10 is ideally suited for Qatar Airways' regional network and will provide the carrier with the most capable, most fuel-efficient aeroplane in its class."

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named 'Airport of the Year' by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022.

Qatar Airways was announced as the 'Airline of the Year' at the 2021 Skytrax World Airline Awards. 

Air Models have a range of aircraft models, including some special 737 MAX models, including this one in the colours of flydubai.  

Other airlines featured include Air China,  Xiamen Air and China Southern 

Qatar airport employees trained with a virtual reality platform developed by Stratesys

The company FMM, a joint venture between Ferrovial and Qatar Airways and a benchmark in first-class facilities management services in Qatar, has trusted Stratesys to create a training solution for its employees based on Virtual Reality, which offers a more complete and efficient training model, maintaining quality standards.

Facility Management workers will be able to train remotely through an avatar with which they will face various scenarios and procedures.

 

The supervisors will follow the training through smart glasses that will allow data to be collected to analyze the areas of improvement of the training.

In a sector such as Facility Management services where job turnover is high and the training of workers requires speed and efficiency, immersive training through a virtual reality platform can accelerate the on-boarding process. The technology developed by Stratesys, allows any employee, from anywhere in the world, to train remotely efficiently in digital twins that reproduce the real scenarios.

The CEO of FMM, Irene Vidal, promoter of this idea states: "This innovative solution has been developed for our client Hamad International Airport in Doha, and will allow distance training during the on-boarding period as well as the liberation of the use of critical areas, such as VIP lounges or external facades, avoiding interruptions in the daily operations of our client. On the other hand, it helps to monitor and evaluate the performance of our employees more efficiently."

 

Reporting by Alexander Cornwell and Tim Hepher Editing by Mark Potter and Louise Heavens

Inside the hangar at the centre of $1 billion Airbus-Qatar jet dispute

Photo  REUTERS/Imad Creidi

Two high-tech Airbus A350 jets sit idle with their windows taped and engines covered in a floodlit hangar in the Gulf, hobbled by an international legal dispute between European industrial giant Airbus (AIR.PA) and Qatar's national carrier.

From a distance, the planes might seem like any other long-haul jetliners crowding the busy Doha hub. But a rare on-site visit by Reuters journalists showed what appeared to be evidence of damage to the surface of parts of the wings, tail and hull, reports Reuters. 

The two planes, worth around $300 million combined according to analysts, are among 23 grounded A350s at the centre of a $1 billion London court battle over whether the damage represents a potential safety risk, something Airbus strongly denies.

The planes were grounded by Qatar's regulator after premature paint erosion exposed damage to a metallic sub-layer that provides protection to the fuselage from lightning strikes.

Other airlines continue to fly the A350 after European regulators declared it safe, with several carriers recently acknowledging surface issues while calling them "cosmetic".

Reuters journalists were granted rare first-hand access after requesting the visit on the sidelines of an airline industry meeting in the Qatari capital, Doha, this week.

Sporadic surface flaws on the A350s viewed by Reuters included an elongated stretch of blistered and cracked or missing paint along the roof or crown of the jets.

In some areas including on the curved wingtips, the protective lightning mesh that sits between the hull and the paint appeared exposed and corroded.

Photo  REUTERS/Imad Creidi

In other parts it appeared to be missing, leaving areas of the composite hull exposed.

The paint on the tail of one of the A350s emblazoned with Qatar Airways' maroon Arabian Oryx emblem was pockmarked by cracked and missing paint that exposed the dull carbon beneath.

Reuters saw small areas of what appeared to be fraying or delaminated carbon threads on the hull and so-called 'rivet rash' or lost paint from fastener heads on the main wing areas.

Airbus and Qatar Airways had no immediate comment on Reuters' findings.

Airbus acknowledges quality flaws on the A350s, but denies they pose any safety risk because of the number of backup systems and tolerance built into the design.

Qatar Airways has argued this can't be known until further analysis, and is refusing to take more of the planes.

Airbus has argued that some paint erosion is a feature of the carbon-composite technology used to build all modern long-haul jets - a necessary trade-off for weight savings.

Photo  REUTERS/Imad Creidi

It says the cracks are caused by the way paint, anti-lightning material called ECF and the composite structure interact. The tail does not all contain the ECF foil, prompting a debate over whether damage there comes from the same problem.

Qatar Airways has questioned Airbus' explanation, telling a UK court its similar Boeing 787s do not have the same problems.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which oversees the design of the jet, said the degradation seen in the surface protection "does not constitute an unsafe condition".

"EASA’s sole interest in this matter is aviation safety," a spokesperson said. Qatar's own aviation regulator has declined to comment since the dispute began.

Amid hundreds of pages of conflicting technical court filings presented by both sides, Reuters has not been able to verify independently the cause of the damage.

Qatar Airways' Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker and Airbus Chief Executive Guillaume Faury had the opportunity to mingle during the three-day industry gathering in Qatar this week.

Asked whether the relationship had improved after the event, which included the two men seated next to each other over dinner, Al Baker suggested the two sides remain far apart.

Photo  REUTERS/Imad Creidi

"On a personal level I am friends with everyone but when it comes to an issue with my company, then it's a different story. If things were settled, we would not be still waiting for a trial to happen next year," he told a news conference.

Faury said this week he was in discussion with the airline and reported "progress in the sense that we are communicating".

One of the airline industry's most senior officials voiced concerns after the Doha meeting that the dispute could have a toxic effect on contractual ties across the industry.

"It would be much better if we were dealing with friends than dealing in the courts," Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association, told reporters.

Photo  REUTERS/Imad Creidi

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Qatar Airways collaborates with GE Aviation and IATA to generate the ‘Leadership, Future and Culture’ Programme

Qatar Airways and GE Aviation have joined forces to launch a customised training programme under the name ‘Leadership, Future and Culture’ (LFC). National Senior Managers of Qatar Airways attended this one-week course, which was designed for them to connect and enrich their leadership skills.

The ‘Leadership, Future and Culture’ training programme was created to enable National participants to develop a better understanding of different ways to further evolve and shape the future of leadership in Qatar’s culture. Employees from other sectors and industries in the aviation field have also participated in this programme, which has benefitted Nationals in learning from other leaders and gain different perspectives. GE experts also displayed a number of ways to facilitate leadership skills through the emphasis of fostering teams by covering topics on Leading in 2025, Coaching as an Alternative Mode, Neuroscience of Success, and Storytelling.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The Al Darb Qatarisation programme continually provides unique opportunities for Nationals designed to elevate them to excellence and success. Within this framework, Qatar Airways strives to further support the community and gear up for the future. Through this special programme collaboration with GE Aviation, National Senior Managers acquired the necessary information to boost their leadership skills and reinforce their knowledge on perseverance and maintaining smart objectives, as well as helping them facilitate an efficient working environment within Qatar Airways”.

Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Nationalisation and Special Projects, Ms. Nabeela Fakhri, said: “Qatar Airways has always sought to enhance its employees’ careers, by providing the best innovative training programmes to develop and further enrich their skills and abilities. By providing our National Senior Managers with this unique training programme, we are ensuring the progress and professional development of our National leaders, while asserting Qatar Airways leading position”.

American Airlines and Qatar Airways expanding alliance

American Airlines and Qatar Airways expand relationship

American Airlines and Qatar Airways are expanding their strategic alliance with a new codeshare agreement, enabling American’s customers to book travel on Qatar Airways flights via Doha to and from 16 new countries.

Pending any necessary government codeshare approvals, travellers will be able to book travel beyond Qatar to their final destinations in Ethiopia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This expanded codeshare comes as American launches a new service on June 4 from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH), recently voted World’s Best Airport. The new service establishes American as the only U.S. carrier to serve the Gulf region, seamlessly connecting through Doha with Qatar Airways.

“Our global partnerships expand upon American’s comprehensive network, providing access to numerous destinations for our customers who are ready to travel around the world,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “We’re excited to deepen our strategic alliance with Qatar Airways alongside the launch of our new service between New York and Doha, giving American’s customers more choices and convenient access to the Middle East and beyond.”

The strategic alliance includes Qatar Airways, the leading carrier in the Middle East in terms of frequencies and destinations and the six-time Skytrax ‘World’s Best Airline’ award winner, placing its code on thousands of American’s domestic flights — strengthening connectivity and creating new travel options for customers. American’s network enables connections to over 250 North American cities and Qatar Airways’ extensive network of more than 85 relevant destinations allows customers to access the Middle East, East Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia gateways. The airlines, both alliance members, are paving the way for more interconnected travel within the alliance and globally.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is pleased to extend our codeshare partnership with American Airlines, as yet another step in renewing our long-term strategic partnership with the airline. The expansion of our codeshare agreement is a testament to our joint confidence in the future of aviation, and our shared mission of enhancing the customer experience for millions of passengers worldwide. We are thrilled to build on our relationship with our fellow oneworld partner to provide passengers with the reliable, safe and award-winning service that they have come to know and expect from Qatar Airways.”

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Qatar Airways ready to see Airbus dispute through to trial

Qatar Airways is ready to see its legal dispute with Airbus (AIR.PA) over flaws with the protective skin of A350 wide-body jets through to trial, the Gulf carrier said on Tuesday, reports Alexander Cornwell, Andrew Mills and Tim Hepher. 

Qatar Airways is suing the European planemaker in a UK court for $1 billion in damages after grounding about two dozen of its A350s experiencing the flaws, which it says raise safety concerns - something Airbus and European regulators deny.

Until now, Qatar Airways has appeared broadly isolated in the dispute as other airlines continue to fly the jets, though the Gulf carrier has won some public encouragement from global airlines association IATA and rival Gulf carrier Emirates.

A British judge last week rejected Qatar Airways' requests for a series of injunctions, clearing a path towards a full trial on the A350 surface problems and a related dispute over the planemaker's decision to revoke a contract for smaller jets.

On Tuesday, the airline noted that a longer written version of the judge's decision reflected some arguments that it intends to make in the main trial, as it took the unusual step of reproducing lengthy extracts from the judgment.

Summarising evidence in preliminary hearings, Judge David Waksman noted that the problem that originally appeared in one plane in late 2020 could potentially affect all A350s because of the choice of materials, for which there was no simple fix.

Airbus has acknowledged that such issues tend to affect carbon composite aircraft but maintains it is not a safety issue. Qatar Airways says it cannot know for sure whether it is a safety problem until Airbus provides a fuller explanation.

"Qatar Airways is ready to see this matter through to trial to ensure that its rights are protected and that Airbus is required to address an unprecedented and extremely unique and concerning defect impacting the A350 aircraft type, across the industry and multiple carriers," it said in a statement.

Airbus dismissed what it termed a misreading of last week's ruling, which had seen Qatar's procedural requests rejected while forcing the airline to pay most allowable Airbus costs.

"Airbus is surprised by Qatar's complete mischaracterisation of the UK High Court ruling which rejected all of Qatar's requests for injunctions," the planemaker said in a statement.

"Airbus continues to favour engagement and an amicable solution to resolve the dispute," it added.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker told reporters in Doha last week, "I just hope that this dispute could be resolved outside the courts of law".

Barring a settlement, which the judge last week described as unlikely for the time being, the two sides are heading for a rare London court clash starting in June 2023.

Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; additional reporting by Andrew Mills, Tim Hepher; editing by David Evans and Cynthia Osterman from Reuters.
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Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines form new stronger strategic partnership

Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines unveil the roadmap outlining the next phase of their strategic partnership, following Malaysia Airlines’ announcement to launch a non-stop service from Kuala Lumpur to Doha from 25 May. The two partners will significantly expand their codeshare cooperation, allowing passengers to travel the world and enjoy seamless connectivity via their leading hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Doha.

The codeshare expansion, which adds 34 destinations to the existing 62 codeshare destinations, marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two countries' national carriers and oneworld partners. The agreement benefits travellers from across the globe who will have access to a much greater combined network and enjoy a seamless travel experience on both airlines with a single ticket including check-in, boarding and baggage-check processes, frequent flyer benefits and world-class lounge access for the entire journey.

Starting 25 May 2022, customers flying on Malaysia Airlines’ new Kuala Lumpur to Doha service will have access to 62 codeshare destinations within Qatar Airways' broad network to the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America.  Likewise, Qatar Airways customers travelling from Doha to Kuala Lumpur can seamlessly transfer to 34 Malaysia Airlines’ destinations including their entire domestic network and key markets in Asia, such as Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City, subject to governmental approval.

In linking both route networks, the partners are striving to develop Kuala Lumpur as a leading aviation hub in the Southeast Asia Region connecting Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand with the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Furthermore, Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines will leverage synergies across multiple business areas and develop innovative products to benefit their customers worldwide.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We share a close and deep bond with Malaysia Airlines and welcome their new non-stop service between Kuala Lumpur and our home in Doha, Hamad International Airport. With this strategic partnership, we are committed to delivering greater choice and connectivity to our customers around the world. We are experiencing a new optimism in air travel and expect a strong rebound in global demand. With our dynamic partnership with Malaysia Airlines, we are aiming to provide unparalleled service and a superior travel experience for our customers.”

Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Captain Izham Ismail, said: "We are excited to deepen our cooperation with our long-standing oneworld partner Qatar Airways to bring the world closer to our customers with more choices and flexibility, exceptional services and innovative products, while upholding highest operational safety, just as passengers begin to travel again following the reopening of borders.

As we move into the endemic phase, this strategic cooperation shows both carriers' commitment to offering an unrivalled range of value-added services to passengers and reflects the agility and resilience in facing the pandemic challenges. This partnership is opportune in our efforts to boost air traffic and expedite recovery to pre-pandemic levels, while also enhancing our global brand visibility."

The enhanced cooperation will also include reciprocal loyalty benefits allowing Qatar Airways Privilege Club members to earn and redeem Avios points when flying on Malaysia Airlines, with similar benefits for Malaysia Airlines Enrich members when travelling on Qatar Airways’ services.  Privilege Club and Enrich members will also enjoy a wide range of other unique benefits, depending on tier status, such as complimentary lounge access, complimentary extra baggage allowance, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage delivery on Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways.

Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways’ strategic partnership evolved progressively beginning 2001 and have significantly expanded the collaborative partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2022 to leverage each other’s network strengths and provide robust access for passengers to travel to new destinations beyond their individual network, and ultimately lead Asia Pacific Travel. 

 Hotel 101: Hilton announced the opening of Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort 

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Qatar Airways is at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022 in Dubai

Qatar Airways is participating at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022 (Hall 1, ME1240), taking place from 9 to 12 May in Dubai and following the COVID-19 pandemic and ease of restrictions, the national carrier of the State of Qatar will showcase the “World’s Best Business Class Seat”, the multi award-winning Qsuite and a Virtual Reality experience of Hamad International Airport, recently voted the “Best Airport in the World.”

Qatar Airways is strongly positioned to continue to lead the global recovery of the aviation industry – the “World’s Best Airline” operates from the “World Best Airport” as voted by Skytrax, and has introduced new routes as part of a robust growing network, stronger partnerships agreements with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue in place, membership of the leading global oneworld alliance, a new loyalty programme currency with Avios, while also operating the world fully vaccinated flight and becoming the first global airline in the world to achieve a Five Star Covid-19 Airline Safety Rating from Skytrax.

In a sign of the airline’s resilience and determination to keep the world connected during its darkest days, Qatar Airways was number two globally for Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) during 2021 with a 6 per cent share of the market according to IATA figures. Qatar Airways also grew significantly by 26 per cent compared to 2020 with the industry growing by only 1 per cent, while in 2020, following the onset of the pandemic, the airline was also one of the largest carriers by RPKs.

Throughout the pandemic Qatar Airways not only played a vital role in the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic but was the only global airline flying consistently since the onset of the pandemic, now operating to more destinations with more weekly flights than any other airline in the region. The airline also significantly grew its network to 145 destinations, especially in the US where it now operates to 12 cities with almost 100 flights per week, including to recently added San Francisco and Seattle. Qatar Airways also heavily focused on expansion into Africa with the addition of new routes to Abuja, Abidjan, Accra, Harare, Kano, Lusaka and Port Harcourt, firmly cementing the importance of Africa to the airline.

Qatar Airways and IndiGo Reactivate Strategic Cooperation

Qatar Airways and IndiGo, India's largest airline, announced the reactivation of their strategic cooperation following the lifting of the suspension on international scheduled flights by the Indian government.

Qatar Airways is currently operating 190 flights per week to and from 12 destinations in India, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Kozhikode, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, Kolkata, and Thiruvananthapuram. IndiGo is currently operating 154 flights per week between Doha and eight cities in India and that includes Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur. As part of this expanded code-share agreement, Qatar Airways will be placing its marketing code on IndiGo operated flights between Doha and Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, starting from 25 April 2022, and Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kozhikode, starting from 09 May 2022.

Both Qatar Airways and IndiGo flights are optimally connected to Qatar Airways' hub, the award-winning Hamad International Airport in Doha. This allows passengers to benefit from seamless and convenient connections to the airline's entire route network, including North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia/Australia.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: "The reactivation of our strategic partnership with IndiGo is another milestone in the development of aviation between the State of Qatar and India. Together, both Qatar Airways and IndiGo will offer over 340 flights per week to 13 destinations in India. Never before has our partnership with IndiGo been stronger and the resumption of our strategic cooperation demonstrates the resilience, agility and commitment both partners have shown in overcoming the challenges of the pandemic."

Mr. Ronojoy Dutta, Wholetime Director and Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo added: “We are excited to reactivate our code-share agreement with Qatar Airways, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines. We are confident this strong partnership will not only expand opportunities for the customers, but also boost trade and tourism in both the countries. With the easing of restrictions, we believe that this will create economic growth through IndiGo’s seamless nationwide connectivity. We look forward to serving customers on our lean, clean flying machine, as we extend to them our on-time, affordable, courteous and hassle-free travel experience.” 

Qatar Airways Makes One Lucky Passenger a US Dollar Millionaire!

Fly and Win’ promotion by the award-winning airline changes the life of a UK-based Filipino nurse forever

 A nurse from the United Kingdom has won first prize in Qatar Airways’ ‘Fly and Win’ campaign; becoming a US dollar millionaire overnight. Two other lucky prize winners, from Kenya and Belgium, have respectively walked away with a brand new Porche Panamera and an elite Qatar Executive experience – return private jet flights and five-star hotel accommodation in the Maldives.

The multi-award-winning airline launched ’Fly and Win’ last November, to recognise and reward members of its Loyalty Programme, Privilege Club. To enter the prize raffle, passengers had to enrol or be an existing member of Privilege Club, and fly anywhere in the airline’s expanding network between 01 November 2021 and 31 January 2022. 

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “It is our pleasure to have been able to break this fantastic news to three of our valued Loyalty Programme members. As the World’s Best Airline, we feel it is important to reward our Privilege Club members for their commitment to our success.

“On behalf of Qatar Airways, I would like to extend my personal congratulations to our campaign winners. There will be more exciting rewards offered by Qatar Airways in future, and we welcome any new joiners to our Privilege Club to take part and be in with a chance to win”.

Brand new Privilege Club millionaire, Mr. Francis Capis, a National Health Service nurse from Crawley in the UK originally comes from the Philippines. Expressing his shock on being informed of his win, he said: “I just about remembered applying for the ‘Fly and Win’ draw, I knew at that time that I would be so lucky if the stars aligned. I don’t know what to feel, this is crazy! The sky really is the limit now, this will change my life, and that of my family’s forever. I will make sure I fly Qatar Airways for the rest of my life”.

The second lucky winner was Alfred Machira from Kenya, who won a brand-new high-performance Porsche Panamera. The third winner was Mr Antonin Ferbus from Belgium who was rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime return private charter jet flight with Qatar Executive, a five-day trip for two in the Maldives in a five-star hotel – Six Senses Laamu, sponsored by our partners Visit Maldives.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax, in addition to securing five additional awards, including World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge, World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat, World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Airline in the Middle East. The airline continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021). The airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), was also recently recognised as the ‘Best Airport in the World 2021’, ranking at number one in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2021.

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JetBlue and Qatar Airways to expand partnership deal

New York's Hometown Airline, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan, JetBlue has announced it intends to expand the depth and breadth of its existing partnership with the Doha based Qatar Airways.

Already, Qatar Airways is one of JetBlue’s top partners for connecting customers across the Americas to its global network, with traffic expected to grow further through new enhancements within the partnership. This new agreement will provide more options to travel between JetBlue’s 100+ destinations across North America and the Caribbean and Qatar Airways' global network of 82 countries. JetBlue places its code on Qatar Airways flights in – or offers connections through – nine U.S. gateways.

 This will include more codesharing in additional markets in the coming months, enhanced benefits for JetBlue TrueBlue® and Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club loyalty members, expanded marketing opportunities and refinements to flight schedules to create new, convenient connections across both carriers.

In addition, the airlines plan to develop an integrated airside transfer option for customers connecting at New York-JFK, JetBlue’s largest focus city and Qatar Airways’ most served U.S. destination.

“For more than a decade Qatar Airways has been an excellent partner, consistently delivering an elevated customer experience that aligns extremely well with the JetBlue brand and the expectations of our customers,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “Now, as we look to our next decade together, the enhancements and plans for growth announced today will put Qatar Airways on track to be our largest internationally-based partner.”

“The enhanced partnership between Qatar Airways and JetBlue is a further encouraging sign for the recovery of the aviation industry,” said His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive. “We have focused on growing our partnerships with leading airlines such as JetBlue by bringing significant benefits to our passengers through an expanded global network. Both airlines have a strong commitment to excellence in customer experience and innovation, ensuring this closer relationship is a very positive step for our joint customers.”

JetBlue customers currently enjoy travel options via Doha, Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) – named in 2021 as the Best Airport in the World – to more than 80 destinations in Africa, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and South Asia. At the same time, Qatar Airways customers also already benefit from access to more than 60 destinations across JetBlue’s network. The two airlines have partnered since 2011.

Customers also currently enjoy enhancements that link the carriers’ loyalty programs. TrueBlue and Privilege Club members benefit from the ability to accrue TrueBlue points or Privilege Club Avios. In the future, those benefits will expand with the ability to redeem points on either carrier’s flights.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax, in addition to securing five additional awards, including World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge, World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat, World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Airline in the Middle East. The airline continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).

JetBlue – the sixth-largest airline in the U.S. – is known for having the most legroom in coach (a), live television and on-demand entertainment on every seatback, free and fast Fly-Fi broadband internet (b), complimentary snacks and soft drinks and great customer service. JetBlue operates nearly 1,000 daily flights to 100+ destinations in more than two dozen countries throughout the Americas. In 2021, JetBlue added all-new transatlantic flying between New York and London. This summer, the airline will launch its first-ever service in Canada with Vancouver flights.

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