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Qatar Airways Boosts Transatlantic Reach Through IAG Partnership Expansion

Qatar Airways is expanding its transatlantic reach. By partnering with IAG carriers, it gains access to 18 new routes without adding new aircraft. This strategic move comes as US-EU traffic rebounds.

This is airplane.
This is airplane.

Qatar Airways Boosts Transatlantic Reach Through IAG Partnership Expansion

Qatar Airways is bolstering its transatlantic presence through a significant expansion of its partnership with IAG carriers. The deal, which has been approved by US authorities, will see Qatar's 'QR' code on Aer Lingus flights from Dublin to 11 US destinations and on LEVEL flights from Barcelona to 9 US and South American destinations. This adds 18 new routes and strengthens Qatar's reach without adding new aircraft or routes.

The expansion is a strategic move for Qatar Airways, allowing it to tap into IAG's extensive transatlantic network. This includes codeshare agreements with Iberia and Aer Lingus, which have been growing in recent years. The partnership provides Qatar with a bridge to US markets via its Hamad hub in Doha, without the need for additional resources.

The move comes as traffic between the US and Europe rebounds post-pandemic, with airlines vying to expand their reach into Gulf hubs. Privilege Club members of Qatar Airways will also benefit, able to earn or use Avios on codeshared flights operated by Aer Lingus and LEVEL.

The expanded agreement builds on a 2024 codeshare launch with Aer Lingus, providing Qatar Airways with wider access in Europe and the Americas. With US approval secured, Qatar's 'QR' code will now appear on Aer Lingus and LEVEL flights, formalising its marketing reach into American markets it does not directly serve.

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