Like we know, Qatar Airways is getting ready to be inducted into the oneworld alliance somewhere late 2013 or early 2014. As a part of this induction, they will be individually cooperating with each member airline to work on a synchronised flight plan to offer connections around the world.
Seems like the work with American is done, and American and Qatar Airways will be good to go live with a Codeshare agreement as of 26 February 2013. As per American Airlines,
The agreement with Qatar will include codesharing on nonstop flights between the U.S. and Doha, flights connecting at the carriers’ European gateways such as Paris and London, and flights to cities in the U.S. and beyond Doha. Additionally, members of the American Airlines AAdvantage® program will be able to earn miles on the codeshare flights operated by Qatar Airways, providing another valuable benefit of the relationship. Customers can begin booking travel on codeshare flights as early as Feb. 10, 2013 for travel beginning Feb. 26, 2013.
As per American Airlines announcement on this, further, non-stop flights will be available between New York JFK, Chicago, Houston, Washington D.C. (IAD) and Qatar Airways’ Doha hub.
A quick peep into the reservation system shows flights were still to be loaded. All searches even to Doha showed up with flights on AA, BA, or EY. I will update the post if things change.
However, this is good news to be able to travel without having to sign up for one more mileage program! AAdvantage members can now earn miles, including qualifying miles for travel on Qatar Airways booked with the AA codeshare. They already have similar arrangements with Etihad, which is one of the other big airlines of the Middle-East.
Live From A Lounge is present on Facebook, Twitter & available via email,RSS.
Houston = Oil
I am sure that’s the reason for that flight.
Hope Qatar changes its destination from Houston to Dallas for seamless connectivity with American