ft101

I just saw this article linked to in a thread on the EK Forum, which also tells a similar story.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...pected-377073/

FlyerTalker688786

Is Al Baker scheduled to be in NYC that day?

zat_dude

I could more see QR being a new codeshare partner for BA. Perhaps they realised that they're also better off partnering with a ME carrier for AU destinations.

The EK/QF announcement could have been the last drop in the glass.

Sure, time will tell

FlyerTalker688786

There are FTs saying that QF hurried the deal with EK as they know QR is joining oneworld. So they want to make sure the deal with EK ahead of the announcement to make status quo. I kind of agree with that sentiment.

I think BA will work with QR on African routes. BA and CX may work closer to develope Hong Kong into BA's Australian route getaway with codeshares on CX to other Australian cities besides Sydney.

QF is unlikely to leave oneworld as much as EK is unlikely to join oneworld, so far. But as soon as QR joins OW I think Etihad would be in SkyTeam very soon.

Only mistery part for me is that AA seems reluctant to sign up with EK and EK seems want to push a deal with AA...Is that because AA does not want to upset the QR membership in negotiation? Well, 8th October we will know!

f97johan

QR joining *A would have been more useful to me I think.

How does it usually work with these types of things in terms of frequent flyer programs, levels, membership levels and the like? Any form of harmonization of rules etc? Possibilities to transfer points between different FF programs?

GUWonder

Probably not (at least not without major point value loss), unless QR buys out another airline whose FF program it combines.

tamag0chi

How about this? Just in 2 hours ago... so who is the rumored gulf carrier?

Qatar Airways has no plans to join oneworld alliance: CEO
http://gulfnews.com/business/aviatio...ance-1.1082943

House

We don't know - I would not give a denial by the CEO much credit in and of itself. What we do know is that QR has terminated arrangements with Star Alliancecarriers (UA most notably) recently, suggesting some sort of move is afoot (you surely wouldn't cancel an agreement with a major airline like UA unless it was losing you money or you had something else in mind).

I guess we will know more in a week from now.

irishguy28

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/18b19eca-0...#ixzz285ek9WKn

Qatar Airways joins oneworld alliance

By Andrew Parker in London


Qatar Airways is set to be the first of the fast-expanding Gulf carriers to become a member of one of the global airline alliances, by agreeing to join oneworld.

The move is a coup for oneworld, whose members are led by American Airlines and British Airways, and underlines how the Gulf carriers may no longer be viewed with hostility by western airlines.

CXtoQF

If this is confirmed it's HUGE!! Now what will I fly to the ME?? Etihad F on the way there and Qatar J on the way back?

CXtoQF

If QR joins OW is BECAUSE BA wants them actually...

787fan

oneworld proponents are claiming that all 3 gulf carriers being involved with oneworld one way or another is great opportunity and choice, but I'd see that as weakening the business case for any one of them to become a full oneworld member. those claiming that oneworld loves doing side deals forget that QF+AF was way smaller a relationship than QF+EK.

it would be very awkward for QR if AA/AB mostly send their pax to AUH while QF exclusively send theirs via DXB.

CXtoQF

It's actually a way to ensure all MO3 carriers are happy. Remember that AA - for instance - can route its passengers via LHO and HKG (and soon KUL) TPAC. This would be just one more option... I see no losers, really. Perhaps consumers, as prices are likely to go up...

Cedar Jet

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/18b19eca-0...#axzz286iOzW6z

Good for us OW FF'ers

CJ

demue

As most I think this would be a very welcome addition (though I would prefer them in *A ). Finally that BA Gold card may come in handy with an airline actually worth flying from SE Asia to Europe or US (other than CX that is).