Oneworld alliance partners Finnair and Qatar Airways are to collaborate to expand Doha’s hub status.
Finnair plans to operate flights from Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen to Qatar from this autumn in co-operation with the Gulf carrier.
Finnair and Qatar Airways are exploring opening services between another unnamed European destination and Doha.
The services will be supported by a codeshare pact with shared passenger and cargo capacity between both airlines.
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Passengers from the three Scandinavia cities will be able to connect via Doha to Qatar Airways’ network of around 100 destinations across Australasia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
The daily services are due to start between November and December and be operated by Finnair Airbus A330 aircraft featuring new long-haul cabins.
Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “As a fellow Oneworld member, we enjoy a close relationship with Finnair and these new services to Hamad International airport are an example of Qatar Airways working with partners for the benefit of our joint customers.
“This strategic partnership demonstrates our commitment to the Nordic markets and strengthens our position as the leading Middle East carrier in this important region. This partnership will be the foundation for the future expansion here.
“Soon, Doha will be the Oneworld hub bringing more airline partners together than ever before.”
Finnair chief executive Topi Manner added” “The role of Doha as an international hub is growing, and Qatar Airways has extensive connections from Doha onwards to for example Australasia, the Middle East and Africa.”
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