Spanish airline Iberia has joined the joint business of British Airways and Qatar Airways, which covers more than 60 countries.
From December 11, Iberia will operate daily flights between Madrid and Doha, increasing capacity between the two Oneworld hubs.
The new partnership means passengers will be able to connect to more than 200 destinations through the three global airlines.
Iberia will operate an Airbus A330-200, with 288 seats in business and economy cabins.
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British Airways expands partnership with Qatar Airways
The airlines said the expansion of their partnership provides customers with “more options than ever from a wide geographic range of destinations, flight schedules, fares, and seamless connectivity via Doha, London, and Madrid, as well as a larger selection of award-winning products, including Qatar Airways’ Qsuite, Iberia’s Business Class, and British Airways’ Club Suite”.
Members of British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus and Qatar Airways Privilege Club can collect and spend using their common currency, Avios. Loyalty members are able to transfer Avios between accounts and combine their balances to claim rewards offered by each programme.
Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group chief executive, said: “Our passengers will now have more opportunities than ever to connect to different destinations across the British Airways, Iberia and Qatar Airways’ networks.
“This collaborative effort comes as part of our commitment to continuously improve the offerings available to our passengers and provide them with the best in the industry.”
Sean Doyle, BA chairman and chief executive, commented: “Last year we expanded our joint business partnership with Qatar Airways with the addition of 42 countries, and I’m so pleased to see it growing even further as we welcome Iberia on board.
“We’re committed to offering our customers as much choice as possible, and working so closely with our partners in Madrid and Doha connects British Airways to more than 200 destinations globally.”
Fernando Candela, Iberia chief executive, added: “We are really excited about the launch of our Madrid-Doha route. Through QJB hubs in London and Doha, we are building the much-desired bridge between Spain and more than 200 destinations in Asia, Australasia, the Middle-East and Africa, and offering new opportunities for travellers in both directions.
“Our country is moving towards a new model of higher-quality tourism and, with the Madrid-Doha launching, we are making a breakthrough.”