The Financial Times is reporting that Qatar will be joining oneworld, despite explicit denials by the airline’s CEO.
Maybe he didn’t get the memo?
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.
Either FlightGlobal and the Financial Times will have egg on their faces, or the CEO of Qatar won’t be much believed in his public statements in the future. Personally I hope this happens, a boost to my American AAdvantage miles. We’ll find out soon in any case!
As I said in the previous thread, al-Baker is known for this type of behavoir, so it is entirely consistent with his M.O. to deny somethign that is only days away from being announced.
My first question is what are FT’s sources? The full article quotes nobody, and it makes me wonder if they rehashed an earlier story.
Wasn’t this the same guy that blasted Boeing for not being a good company a couple of days before he signed an multibillion dollar order with them?
I will believe FT before I belive Akbar.
@Keith. Yes, it was. This is very consistent with his M.O. He negotiates through the media.
Maybe they are joining? I would have thought BA wouldn’t want the competition but maybe they feel that they need to strengthen their network options. If US Airways also joins OneWorld they will be closer to rivaling Star Alliance for global coverage.
You know AAB is lying when his lips move.
If you are looking for a “free” version this story, try here: http://reut.rs/QLIJHj (via Reuters)
Given that Qantas just junked its venture with BA in favor of Emirates, BA has additional incentive to partner with one of the Gulf carriers.