News

BA mulls Qatar Asian alliance

British Airways parent International Airlines Group is today reported to be talking to Qatar Airways over an Asian-focused alliance.


The speculation emerged in the wake of Qantas breaking off a joint venture on routes between the UK and Australia from March in favour of a new alliance with Emirates.


A source close to the situation told the Financial Times that IAG has held discussions with three airlines, including Qatar Airways, over the possibility of an Asian focused-partnership.


Gerald Khoo, analyst at investment bank Espirito Santo, told the FT that Qatar Airways was the most likely candidate with which IAG could form a partnership.


“This would offer one-stop connections to Asian destinations and Australia in a mirror image of the Qantas/Emirates arrangement,” he said.


IAG chief executive said yesterday in the wake of the Qantas announcement: “Asia has become a key focus for IAG and we’re talking to a number of airlines about alternative options for us.”


Qatar Airways declined to comment on the speculation.

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.