Today, Dublin-based carrier Aer Lingus has gone live with their new codeshare partnership with Doha-based Qatar Airways.
Such a move comes following the expansion of a strategic alliance with British Airways & Iberia as well.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
The News From Dublin & Doha…
The partnership between Dublin-based Aer Lingus (EI) & Doha-based Qatar Airways went live today.
Under the agreement, the Qatari carrier will add it’s QR code onto flights operated by EI and it’s regional wing.
QR customers will be able to benefit from accessing flights to Aberdeen, Belfast, Cork & Glasgow.
Aer Lingus passengers will be able to enjoy codesharing benefits to the far east from Dublin.
Commenting on this deal was Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori:
“Our new codeshare partnership with Aer Lingus demonstrates Qatar Airways’ commitment to its customers, who will benefit from a wider choice of global destinations.”
“The move also builds on our long-term strategic relationship with IAG as we expand our codeshare coverage even further.”
“It is an exciting opportunity to extend our exceptional service to even more travellers through this partnership.”
Adding to this was Aer Lingus Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, Reid Moody:
“We’re pleased to launch our new codeshare partnership with Qatar Airways, offering their customers a great choice of routes and destinations on Aer Lingus’ extensive network of flights across the UK and Ireland.”
“Customers can expect a warm welcome and friendly service and we look forward to welcoming them on board.”
Further Connections East for the Irish Carrier…
This will be of major benefit for Dublin-based customers at Aer Lingus as it enables further connections to the Middle East and beyond.
The Irish carrier typically doesn’t go as far east as Greece and Turkey, so this will enable further catchment.
For Qatar Airways, it will strengthen it’s presence in Europe and beyond from it’s hub in Doha.
Such a move has also been down to Qatar Airways’ close relationship with IAG, which owns British Airways, Iberia & Aer Lingus.
Strategic Alliances…
Looking away from the new connectivity from Dublin & Doha, Qatar Airways has been going full steam ahead with IAG-based alliances.
Through partnerships with British Airways & Iberia, flights from London and Madrid into Doha have been added.
It is all through a joint venture signed between multiple carriers, which has boosted connectivity worldwide.
Back in July 2023, British Airways CEO Sean Doyle had this to say on the matter:
“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.”
It remains clear in this case that there will be delight over connectivity on the Aer Lingus side in Dublin.
Overall…
In conclusion, this is yet another big step for IAG, but also for Aer Lingus specifically out of Dublin with Qatar Airways from Doha.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on how this new codeshare partnership performs, as well as whether there is scope to expand this further.
As we approach the Summer 2024 season, this is good timing to capture as many passengers as possible.
But for now, let’s see how the new deal performs.
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