Air Canada will expand their relationship with Qatar Airways under the start of a strategic cooperation agreement, in conjunction with the carrier’s launch of service to Doha. The new agreement will provide seamless onward connections via Qatar Airways’ Doha hub.
On Wednesday (December 16, 2020), Air Canada announced the start of a new strategic cooperation agreement with Qatar Airways, expanding the carriers’ relationship. The announcement is in conjunction with Air Canada’s launch of service to Doha, where guests will enjoy seamless onward connections to destinations across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia via Qatar Airways extensive route network. Air Canada operated their first nonstop flight between Toronto and Doha on December 15, 2020, and the route will operate three-times weekly and be serviced with the carrier’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Air Canada's flagship aircraft is configured with 298 seats and features a choice of Signature, Premium Economy and Economy services. In Wednesday’s announcement, Air Canada’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Calin Rovinescu, said,
“I am delighted to strengthen our relationship with Qatar Airways, one of the world's best airlines, which will allow Air Canada to better respond to shifting demand trends. As Air Canada rebuilds its global network, we are strategically developing new routes and pivoting towards markets that cater to Canada's growing multicultural population. As more of our customers resume international travel next year, this enhanced agreement will allow Canadians more convenient options to visit family and friends, as well as open-up exciting new destinations. I am especially grateful to my good friend, H.E. Akbar Al Baker, for the warm welcome he has extended Air Canada in Doha.”
Also commenting on the new strategic cooperation agreement, Qatar Airways Group’s Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, added,
“ I am extremely delighted with this strong relationship that Qatar Airways has with Air Canada under the pioneering leadership of my friend, Calin Rovinescu who has put Air Canada's strong brand on the world aviation map. Air Canada, one of the most successful airlines in North America, will add huge value to Qatar Airways' expanding network. Canada is a strategically important market for Qatar Airways, and this service will complement our existing four weekly service to Montreal and provide our travellers with additional options when planning travel to and from Canada. We look forward to harnessing our complementary strengths to increase choices for our thousands of passengers and enable smooth connectivity to a significant number of new destinations – particularly throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East.”
Air Canada’s flights to Doha are timed to optimize connections both at the carrier’s Toronto global hub and Qatar Airways’ Doha hub. Guests can also collect and redeem Aeroplan points when traveling with Air Canada and eligible members can enjoy priority check-in and boarding, access to Maple Leaf Lounges and other benefits.
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, serving over 51 million guests in 2019. The Canadian flag carrier is a founding member of the Star Alliance and the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax, who also named the carrier ‘2019 Best Airline in North America.’
Source: Air Canada