Canada Jetlines has revealed in a release that it is in discussions with Qatar Airways Group Q.C.S.C. (Qatar Airways) to explore a potential collaboration between the two airlines.
The collaboration would include non-stop flights between Toronto-Pearson and Doha, the home of Qatar Airways. This would offer Canada Jetlines pax access to Qatar Airways' network via Doha to destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Indian Subcontinent and across Asia.
Jetlines notes that such a collaboration is subject to regulatory approvals from Transport Canada, the CTA, and a final agreement between the two airlines themselves.
"We are pleased to discuss potential opportunities with Qatar Airways, an international airline known for its world-class service and consistently recognised by the industry and consumers as the best airline in the world," said Eddy Doyle, President & CEO of Canada Jetlines.
"Qatar is not only a growing and exciting destination, it is also home to the world's best airport, Hamad International Airport, which provides seamless connectivity to Qatar Airways' superior global network.”
Duncan Bureau, Jetlines' Chief Commercial Officer, told Open Jaw, "If this agreement is concluded and given all the appropriate approvals it will mean more access between the two countries and beyond, creating choice, jobs and economic benefit to Canada and Qatar."
The news comes following Jetlines' 08FEB announcement of the appointment of Rossen Dimitrov, Qatar Airways' Chief Officer Customer Experience to Jetlines' Board of Directors. The appointment hinted "at what may be Canada Jetlines' long-term international growth strategy," as Open Jaw noted at that time, as "Qatar Airways has historically taken equity positions in foreign carriers and there is undoubtedly speculation as to the strategic intent of this appointment."
Qatar Airways was recently named 'Airline of the Year' for the seventh time at Skytrax' 2022 World Airline Awards. It also received top honours for 'World's Best Business Class', 'World's Best Business Class Lounge Dining' and 'Best Airline in the Middle East'.
Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide via its hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport, which was named "Best Airport in the World" for the second year in a row at the 2022 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
