Qatar Airways’ pending membership with Oneworld gives the global alliance access to emerging markets, particularly in Africa, and a controlling presence at a new airport in Doha, which Oneworld deems one of the primary gateways in the Middle East.
Speaking at the formal announcement of Qatar’s designation in New York, Oneworld’s CEO Bruce Ashby on Oct. 8 said Qatar will increase the alliance’s market share in the Middle East to 10% from 4%. International Airlines Group (IAG) CEO Willie Walsh added that the Persian Gulf cannot support three large hubs so close to each other, but the “smart money” is on Doha and Emirates Airline’s Dubai base winning out over Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi operation.
The Qatari government’s $15 billion investment in a new airport at Doha augurs well for Qatar’s future growth and made the decision to admit the airline to Oneworld easier, Walsh added.
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