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Dave

British Airways and Qatar Airways form the largest airline joint business

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Qatar Airways and British Airways have completed the latest phase in the expansion of their partnership, offering global connectivity between more countries than any other airline joint business.

The airlines have added 42 new countries to their shared network, including Italy, the Maldives, Norway, Singapore, and Sweden, giving passengers enhanced access between destinations in Europe and the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Customers will now benefit from even greater choices in prices and schedules with options for direct flights as well as connections via hubs in London and Doha. This is all part of Qatar Airways and British Airways’ plan to “Move Further Together” by enhancing the joint network and providing passengers with the best of both airlines.

The expansion will enable seamless connecting journeys on single tickets through Doha and London, bringing the total number of destinations served by the two airlines to 185 across more than 60 countries. The complementary networks uniquely access dozens of countries that no other alliance or joint business provides. The partnership also ensures access to more cities around the world than ever before, continuing to support global trade, tourism, investment, and cultural connection.

Partnership:British Airways and Qatar Airways celebrate the latest milestone in the expansion of their joint business

Additionally, customers will have more freedom to engage with both airlines’ loyalty programmes, earning and spending Avios, their common currency. Customers are able to seamlessly link their Qatar Airways Privilege Club and British Airways Executive Club accounts to transfer Avios between the two, and combine balances to claim rewards offered by each programme. The collaboration also offers access to both airline’s exclusive lounges, and cabins to suit all budgets and needs, including British Airways’ new Club Suite and Qatar Airways’ award-winning Qsuite.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said,

The growing collaboration between Qatar Airways and British Airways shows our customers our common goal to offer an unparalleled network with unique benefits. Travellers can now experience the best in quality and service as they travel across our joint network.  The joint business between our airlines cements both Qatar Airways and British Airways as industry leaders, aiming to provide the utmost flexibility and unrivalled connectivity to our customers.

Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for British Airways said,

This is a huge milestone in our long-standing relationship with Qatar Airways, an airline that shares our passion for customer service, choice and flexibility.

From idyllic holiday hotspots such as the Maldives and Thailand, to business hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong, we are pleased to open up the world as the travel industry continues to make steps towards its recovery.

British Airways said that co-operation on a small number of routes remains subject to pending regulatory clearances.

Dave

Qatar Airways Unveils Platinum, Gold and Silver Lounges for Privilege Club Members and oneworld Partners

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Qatar Airways has unveiled Platinum, Gold and Silver lounges at its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), inviting Privilege Club loyalty members and oneworld alliance card holders to access the dedicated lounge corresponding to their frequent flyer tier status when transiting through Doha.

The state-of-the-art lounge facilities, with stunning runway views, will provide a peaceful haven to Qatar Airways Platinum, Gold and Silver loyalty members, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire card holders.

The brand new facilities will offer new spaces where passengers can rest, unwind and enjoy some of Qatar Airways’ renowned amenity products from Diptyque, and indulge in international cuisine and a wide beverage selection.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said:

It is my pleasure to announce the opening of three premium frequent flyer programme lounges at Hamad International Airport.

Our latest Platinum, Gold and Silver lounges demonstrate the airline’s commitment to rewarding Privilege Club and oneworld alliance members with coveted benefits that befit the service quality Qatar Airways is synonymous for.

We look forward to welcoming passengers to experience our sophisticated, modern and spacious lounges when transiting through the World’s Best Airport.

Qatar Airways Platinum, Gold and Silver Lounges offer an ideal space for relaxation or socialising with family and friends.

Passengers can extend an invite to one guest using their plus-one complimentary access – eligible to Qatar Airways Platinum and Gold Privilege Club members, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members.

Qatar Airways Platinum Lounge South

Located on concourse A of HIA, Qatar Airways Platinum Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Platinum loyalty members and oneworld Emerald card holders. The state-of-the-art lounge accommodates up to 140 passengers, and is equipped with a quiet area, a prayer room, a bar, a restaurant, and showers. Passengers are welcome to enjoy à la carte dining or buffet, and utilise the complimentary WiFi provided. 

Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South

Located on concourse A of HIA, Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Gold loyalty members and oneworld Sapphire card holders. The newly inaugurated lounge has the capacity to accommodate up to 85 passengers, and offers an array of services including family seating, a bar, a dining area, a full buffet dining experience, showers, and complimentary WiFi.

Qatar Airways Silver Lounge South

Located on concourse B of HIA, Qatar Airways Silver Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Silver loyalty members. First opened in March 2022, the lounge accommodates up to 195 passengers, offering meeting rooms, a family area, a quiet area, buffet dining and baggage storage facilities. 

Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

In addition to the launching of the Gold, Silver and Platinum lounges, Qatar Airways will be increasing its Doha – Melbourne flights from the current once-daily schedule to double-daily flights from 1 October with the support of the Victorian Government. The airline and the Victorian Government signed a strategic agreement to increase connectivity to Melbourne to further boost trade and tourism.

Meanwhile, Berlin is set to benefit from enhanced connectivity to over 150 destinations, following the increase in Qatar Airlines services from daily flights to initially ten and further rising to eleven weekly flights from Berlin Brandenberg Airport.

And Qatar Airways have agreed to appear as the Official Jersey Sponsor of Paris Saint-Germain, starting from the 2022-2023 season.

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named the ‘Best Airport in the World” by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022.

Dave

Oneworld members to purchase up to 200 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel per year from Gevo

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Members of the Oneworld Alliance plan to purchase up to 200 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel per year from Colorado-based renewable fuels producer Gevo, in the second such joint commitment by the global airline alliance in four months.

Delivery of the fuel is expected to commence in 2027, for a five year-term. Oneworld members Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways expect to utilise the sustainable aviation fuel for operations in California including San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles International Airports.

Sustainable aviation fuel is a core pillar in One world’s plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050. In October 2021, the alliance committed to a target of 10% sustainable aviation fuel use across the alliance by 2030. 

Oneworld members are partnering to collectively source sustainable aviation fuel, through the alliance’s Environment and Sustainability Board chaired by IAG Head of Sustainability Jonathon Counsell with representation from all member airlines.

In November 2021, Oneworld announced a joint commitment to purchase more than 350 million gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel from Aemetis for operations at San Francisco – making Oneworld the first global airline alliance to jointly commit to purchasing sustainable aviation fuel.

Gevo’s sustainable aviation fuel is expected to be produced using inedible corn products that will be processed to create ethanol that will then be converted into sustainable aviation fuel.

The sustainable aviation fuel is expected to be produced at three facilities under development in the Midwest of the United States. The entire supply chain will be certified by the Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) standard which is widely recognised as the most robust certification scheme for bioenergy.

Sustainable aviation fuel, which is said to produce significantly lower carbon emissions than traditional jet fuel, is an important part of the aviation sector’s path to decarbonisation, in particular on longer-haul flights.

No changes to current aircraft or airport infrastructure are required for operators to utilise sustainable aviation fuel – making it a feasible and immediate solution to reduce carbon emissions.

However, sustainable aviation fuel is not yet available at scale – underlining the importance of joint commitments like that of Oneworld member airlines. Support from other stakeholders, such as government regulations and targeted investments, will further enable the maturity of sustainable aviation fuel production.

Oneworld Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker said,

As the aviation industry continues to face new challenges, today’s announcement underlines the positive outcome of the multilateral collaboration between industry stakeholders. It reaffirms the leadership of our alliance in supporting the ambitious aviation decarbonisation targets, as well as our active role in driving the use of ICAO recognised SAF at a commercial scale.

Oneworld CEO Rob Gurney said,

Five months ago, we committed as an alliance to a target of 10% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030. Today’s announcement of a second major sustainable aviation fuel offtake among member airlines builds further upon that commitment, while demonstrating the value that can be delivered when our member airlines work together.

Dr. Patrick R. Gruber, Gevo’s Chief Executive Officer said,

When Oneworld member airlines show they understand the importance of reducing fossil-carbon greenhouse gas emissions, they start making real change in the industry.

Eliminating fossil-based emissions from the life-cycle of jet fuel is our mission.

Net-Zero SAF is what we all want.

I’m pleased that Oneworld is on board.

Gevo is focused on sustainability at every stage of production and has developed two alcohol-to-jet pathways that can utilise various feedstocks grown using renewable agricultural and sustainable farming techniques. These feedstocks are then converted, in some cases, to high-value nutrition products and energy-dense liquid hydrocarbons, including sustainable aviation fuel. Gevo’s production processes will incorporate renewable energy, including wind turbines, biogas, and combined heat and power systems to increase efficiency and reduce carbon intensity to net-zero levels, which will then be passed on to the customer through the fuel. This is particularly helpful for airlines seeking to reduce their carbon intensity.

Dave

Qatar Airways Introduces exclusive amenity kit partnership with iconic French perfumer Diptyque

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Qatar Airways has further elevated the standard of luxury onboard with the launch of exclusive amenity kits and gift boxes from iconic French Perfumer Diptyque.

Qatar Airways Diptyque amenity kits: Nourishing Lip Balm for moisturised lips, Essential Face Cream for a rejuvenated face, Fresh Lotion for hydrated skin and an iconic fragrance for a fresh feel.

The bespoke products will be initially available for First and Business Class passengers on routes across the Americas, Australia and New Zealand, in addition to A380 flights to London and Paris.

The new amenity range consists of Diptyque branded bags as well as gift boxes featuring Diptyque’s signature oval branding; customised for male and female passengers. Each Qatar Airways amenity kit and gift box provides specially selected Diptyque products including:

  • Nourishing Lip Balm – enriched with roses and violets to soothe and soften the lips
  • Fresh Lotion for the Body – infused with the scent of orange blossoms, to refresh sleepy skin for all skin types
  • Essential Face Cream – nourishing and replenishing, with prickly pear extract to boost radiance
  • Diptyque fragrance – ‘Eau Rose’ Eau de Toilette – an infusion of the finest damascena and centifolia roses, or the brand’s signature ‘34 Boulevard Saint Germain’ Eau de Toilette with notes of amber, patchouli, cinnamon and rose.

In line with Qatar Airways’ focus on sustainability, the Diptyque bags are made from vegan leather while the eyeshade and socks are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate plastic.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said

We are the world’s best airline due to our constant innovation in elevating passenger’s experience. We are constantly looking at new ways to enhance our customer’s journey and surpass their expectations. Our customers will be delighted to discover a generous number of items inside the amenity kits, including a choice of Diptyque’s signature fragrances for women and men. Through this exclusive partnership with Diptyque, we have further elevated premium travel, having raised the bar for all other airlines.

It is only fitting that two pioneering brands collaborate, and continuing our tradition of ‘firsts’. I am proud to say that Qatar Airways is the only airline that offers Diptyque products onboard, complementing the washroom amenities offered onboard and in our lounges. This partnership further enhances our world-class passenger experience, and will leave our customers with lasting memories of their journey, until we welcome them onboard again.

Executive Director of Diptyque, Fabienne Mauny, said

Travel is an elegance we cultivate. Diptyque is therefore delighted to offer for Qatar Airways’ passengers, wellness and pleasure in the skies. To concoct our precious perfumes, we seek out the noblest ingredients from around the globe. With this exclusive collection, we aim to provide enchanting experience to passengers.

Qatar Airways first entered its exclusive partnership with the French Perfumer, ‘Diptyque’ in March 2021, offering its washroom products on board and in its Premium lounges at Hamad International Airport (HIA). The range consists of Essential Face Cream, Infused Facial Water, Velvet Hand Lotion, hand wash, shower gel, shampoo & conditioner, Fresh Body Lotion and Hand Wash Gel Rinse-Free. The collaboration reflected Diptyque’s celebration of the French art of living and Qatar Airways’ five-star standards of excellence.

The collaboration between Qatar Airways and Diptyque is being facilitated by FORMIA, the leading international airline amenity and hospitality specialist, for an industry-leading first-onboard collection.

Qatar Airways was recently announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. The airline won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).