American Airlines and Qatar Airways Agree to Codeshare

American Airlines and Doha, Qatar-based Qatar Airways have agreed to codeshare on each other’s flights.

The agreement will offer new growth opportunities for American in the Middle East and for Qatar Airways in the United States, according to American Airlines.

As of early 2013, Qatar Airways had in service or had ordered a total 25 Boeing 777-300ERs and was also operating nine Boeing 777-200LRs. In this photograph, seven of the carrier’s 777-300ERs are seen lined up at its hub at Qatar’s Doha International Airport

Assuming the relevant approvals are obtained from the governments of Qatar and the United States, the new codeshare agreement will offer customers more seamless choices by allowing the two airlines to work together to improve flight schedules and connection times, according to American.

“Our extensive codeshare relationship with Qatar Airways will provide our customers with easy, premium access when traveling to and from the Middle East and beyond,” says Kurt Stache, American’s vice president – strategic alliances.

“This new codeshare relationship with Qatar is another example of how American is focused on building its global network through closer coordination with its alliance partners around the world,” adds Stache.

American’s agreement with Qatar will include codesharing on non-stop flights between the U.S. and Doha, flights connecting at the carriers’ European gateways such as Paris and London, and flights to cities in the U.S. and beyond Doha.

The Boeing 737-800 is replacing the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 as one of the single-aisle mainstays of American Airlines’ fleet

Additionally, members of American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program will be able to earn miles on the codeshare flights operated by Qatar Airways.  Customers can begin booking travel on codeshare flights on February 10,  for travel from February 26.

In October 2012, Qatar Airways was invited to join the oneworld alliance. Qatar is the first of the three major carriers in the Persian Gulf to join a global airline alliance.

Its addition will add 15 destinations and three countries to the oneworld network map.

Qatar Airways currently serves 120 destinations in 70 countries in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, North and South America, Asia and Australia.  From its Doha hub, it offers more than 1,100 weekly flights, including service to 17 cities throughout the Middle East.

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