Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways Celebrate the Launch of a New Code Share Agreement

Cathay Pacific Airways and Qatar Airways have announced the launch of a new code share agreement between the two oneworld alliance airlines, as Cathay Pacific last night formally celebrated its new service between Hong Kong and Doha at a gala event held in Doha. Under a strategic agreement with its oneworld partner - Qatar Airways - Cathay Pacific first started servicing Doha directly on 30 March 2014.

Following the launch of the new twice-daily service between Hong Kong and Doha, Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways have now announced an extensive code-share agreement between the two airlines. The agreement will offer both Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways passengers greater flexibility and a wider choice when travelling from Hong Kong to Europe, Africa and the Gulf or from Doha to Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Japan.

The codeshare agreement enables passengers to freely book on either airline to an expanded network of destinations, while benefiting from accruing frequent flyer points or miles, together with other oneworld member privileges. Top-tier members from Cathay Pacific's The Marco Polo Club and Qatar Airways' The Privilege Club can now enjoy reciprocal benefits when travelling on flights between Hong Kong and Qatar, including lounge access, extra baggage allowances, priority boarding and many other services.

Effective from April 2014, Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, Adelaide, Auckland, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Seoul will carry the "QR" code, while Qatar Airways flights between Doha and Jeddah, Nairobi, Athens, Geneva, Madrid, Barcelona and Venice will carry Cathay Pacific's "CX" code.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Mr Ivan Chu said: "Cathay Pacific has been serving the Middle East for more than 30 years and we are committed to developing our presence in this ever-growing market. Doha is our fourth destination in the region and the launch of the new service will enable travellers here to enjoy the great connectivity Cathay Pacific offers via the Hong Kong hub to our extensive network in Asia, Australia and China. At the same time, the launch of the code-share agreement with Qatar Airways will provide even more travel options for our customers."

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: "Alliances and code shares alike are playing an increasingly important role in the airline industry today - and that will continue long into the future. Becoming a member of oneworld last October was one of the most significant landmarks in Qatar Airways' history. It has strengthened our competitive offering and the advent of these new code share routes with our partner Cathay Pacific will expand travel options for Qatar Airways passengers across routes in Australasia and North Asia."

Around 350 guests, including dignitaries, government officials and business partners, joined the new service launch gala celebration which was hosted by Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Ivan Chu. Officiating at the event were guest of honour Qatar Civil Aviation Authority Chairman H.E. Mr Abdul Aziz Al-Noaimi and chief guest Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer H.E. Mr Akbar Al Baker.

About Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific Airways is a Hong Kong-based airline offering scheduled passenger and cargo services to more than 180 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe and Africa, using a fleet of 140 wide-body aircraft. The airline offers exceptional service and world-beating products on the ground and in the air - including its multiple-award-winning long-haul Business Class. Cathay Pacific has made substantial investments to develop Hong Kong as one of the world's leading global transportation hubs.

About Qatar Airways
On October 30, 2013, Qatar Airways joined the oneworld Alliance, becoming the first Gulf carrier to join the global airline alliance, enabling its customers to benefit from almost a thousand airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,000 daily departures. Award-winning carrier Qatar Airways was presented with three honours at the annual Skytrax 2013 World Airline Awards held during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, France last June. The airline was awarded World's Best Business Class, World's Best Business Class Lounge and, for the second consecutive year, Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Mr Ivan Chu and Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker meet in Doha. The strategic agreement between Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways will help both airlines maximise the market potential between Hong Kong and Qatar and create synergies that will improve the overall travel experience for customers. Pictured from left to right are Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Mr Marwan Koleilat, Cathay Pacific General Manager Revenue Management Mr James Tong, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Mr Ivan Chu, Cathay Pacific General Manager South Asia, Middle East and Africa Mr Charlie Stewart-Cox, Cathay Pacific Country Manager UAE and Qatar Mr Brian Yuen, and Qatar Airways Chief Planning Officer Mr Richard Roberts.

Cathay Pacific celebrates the launch of its new Doha service at a gala event in the city. Officiating in the ceremony are Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Mr Ivan Chu (fourth from right) and chief guest Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker (third from right) and guest of honour Qatar Civil Aviation Authority Chairman H.E. Mr Abdul Aziz Al-Noaimi (centre).