Qatar Airways and American Airlines announce strategic partnership.
Qatar Airways and American Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement that will see the carriers increase their commercial cooperation and create hundreds of new travel options for millions of customers.
The renewed agreement will allow the airlines to sell itineraries operated by both airlines.
The Oneworld carriers have sparred in the last two years over American’s concerns Qatar Airways may be competing unfairly by taking government subsidies.
Qatar’s rapid US expansion forced US airlines to lobby the Trump administration, accusing it of anti-competitive practices.
During the saga, Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO, said US airlines offered “crap” service and employed only grandmothers as flight attendants.
American Airlines hit back calling Qatar’s flight service “both sexist and ageist at the same time.”
Now that’s all in the past, the two airlines look to a brighter future.
“The issues that led to the suspension of our partnership two years ago have been addressed, and we believe resuming our codeshare agreement will allow us to provide service to markets that our customers, team members and shareholders value, including new growth opportunities for American Airlines,” American CEO Doug Parker said in a statement.
In a statement, Al Baker said: “We are very pleased to secure this strategic partnership with American Airlines — an agreement between two successful and ambitious airlines with a shared common purpose to enhance the customer experience.
“The deal will bring together two of the world’s largest airline networks, increasing choices for millions of passengers and providing seamless connectivity to a significant number of new destinations, in line with Qatar Airways’ successful growth strategy.
“We have moved on from past issues and look forward to working closely with American Airlines to build a world-leading partnership for all our customers. This agreement will harness our complementary strengths and resources and enable more customers to experience Qatar Airways’ award-winning product quality.”
The news comes only two weeks after American announced it will work closer with Alaska Airlines, also with an updated codeshare and strategic partnership agreement.
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