Three leading national carriers, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Iberia of Qatar, the United Kingdom, and Spain respectively, are forming a significant alliance.
Already operating the world’s largest joint airline business, Qatar Airways and British Airways will expand their collaboration to include Iberia beginning July, promising to revolutionize connectivity for global travellers.
Iberia will commence a new daily service from Madrid Barajas International Airport to Hamad International Airport, voted the Best Airport in the Middle East by Skytrax for the 9th consecutive year, starting 11 December 2023. This development will allow passengers to connect to over 200 destinations through these global airlines. The joint business will see Iberia’s and Qatar Airways’ expanded service operate thrice daily, ensuring unbeatable connectivity between the Iberian Peninsula and key markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Operating the Airbus A330-200 with 288 seats in Business and Economy cabins, Iberia is set to offer passengers greater options from a broad geographic range of destinations, flight schedules, fares, and seamless connectivity via Doha, London, and Madrid. Further enhancing their offering are award-winning products such as Qatar Airways’ Qsuite, Iberia’s Business Class, and British Airways’ Club Suite.
Whether for leisure or business, travellers from Spain and Portugal will now have the opportunity to connect with a plethora of new destinations, from the idyllic Maldives and Seychelles, cultural treasures in India and Oman, to the bustling cityscapes of Singapore and Hong Kong.
On the flip side, customers from across the Middle-East, Africa, Asia, and Australia can look forward to seamless travel to Madrid, Lisbon, Ibiza, and numerous other destinations across Spain and Portugal.
In an unprecedented move, members of the British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club can collectively earn and spend Avios, their common currency, as well as transfer Avios between accounts, and pool their balances to redeem rewards offered by each programme.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker expressed delight at the enhanced joint business, stressing the collaborative effort as a testament to their commitment to improve offerings for passengers and provide the best in the industry.
Similarly, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, Sean Doyle, and Iberia CEO, Fernando Candela, welcomed the alliance. Doyle noted the growth in partnerships and commitment to offering customers as much choice as possible, while Candela emphasized the exciting opportunities this joint venture provides for travellers in both directions.
