Qatar Airways continues to grow its portfolio of strong, globally strategic partnerships by signing an expanded code-share pact with Oman Air that will boost connectivity and provide more flexible travel options for both the airline’s customers.
The expanded code-share agreement is the first step in further strengthening the strategic co-operation between the two airlines that first began in 2000, it was announced Monday. Sales of the additional destinations will start in 2021.
The code-share expansion will "significantly" increase the number of destinations available to Oman Air passengers from three to 65 (subject to regulatory approval) on the Qatar Airways’ network across Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, India, and the Middle East.
Qatar Airways passengers will also benefit from additional connectivity, with the ability to book travel on an additional six destinations across Africa and Asia in Oman Air’s network.
Both airlines will also explore a number of joint commercial and operational initiatives to further optimise their partnership.
"We are pleased to further expand our code-share co-operation with Oman Air, one of the leading airlines in the Gulf region. Now more than ever, it is important to strengthen strategic partnerships across the industry to optimise our operations and provide seamless connectivity to hundreds of destinations across the globe for our passengers," said Qatar Airways group chief executive HE Akbar al-Baker.
Since 2000, both airlines have seen the benefits that commercial co-operation has brought, providing the passengers with unrivalled service and more flexibility to travel when they want, he said.
"The expansion of our code-share agreement is just the first step, and we look forward to working with Qatar Airways to further strengthen our strategic partnership to enhance the business and leisure travel experience for our customers in Oman and throughout the world,” said Oman Air chief executive Abdulaziz al-Raisi.
Qatar Airways’ strategic investment in a variety of fuel-efficient, twin-engine aircraft, including the largest fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft, has enabled it to continue flying throughout this crisis and perfectly positions it to lead the sustainable recovery of international travel.
The airline recently took delivery of three new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total A350 fleet to 52 with an average age of just 2.6 years.
Due to Covid-19’s impact on travel demand, the airline has grounded its fleet of Airbus A380s as it is not environmentally justifiable to operate such a large, four-engine aircraft in the current market.
The airlines also recently launched a new programme that enables passengers to voluntarily offset the carbon emissions associated with their journey at the point of booking.
The national carrier of Qatar continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 110 destinations with plans to increase to 129 by the end of March 2021.