Oneworld alliance partners Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways have agreed a codeshare deal to expand their respective route networks.
The agreement follows the launch of twice-daily flights by Cathay Pacific between Hong Kong and Doha.
The codeshare is designed to offer passengers of the two carriers greater flexibility and a wider choice when travelling from Hong Kong to Europe, Africa and the Gulf or from Doha to Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Japan.
Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, Adelaide, Auckland, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Seoul will carry the “QR” code, while Qatar Airways flights between Doha and Jeddah, Nairobi, Athens, Geneva, Madrid, Barcelona and Venice will carry Cathay’s “CX” code.
Cathay Pacific chief executive Ivan Chu said: “Cathay Pacific has been serving the Middle East for more than 30 years and we are committed to developing our presence in this ever-growing market.
“Doha is our fourth destination in the region and the launch of the new service will enable travellers here to enjoy the great connectivity Cathay Pacific offers via the Hong Kong hub to our extensive network in Asia, Australia and China. At the same time, the launch of the codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways will provide even more travel options for our customers.”
Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “Alliances and codeshares alike are playing an increasingly important role in the airline industry today – and that will continue long into the future.
“Becoming a member of Oneworld last October was one of the most significant landmarks in Qatar Airways’ history. It has strengthened our competitive offering and the advent of these new codeshare routes with our partner Cathay Pacific will expand travel options for Qatar Airways passengers across routes in Australasia and North Asia.”