Is the OneWorld alliance in danger?

Is the OneWorld alliance in danger?

Qatar Airways may walk out of the Oneworld airline alliance, following a bitter dispute with Qantas.

Qatar’s CEO Akbar Al Baker publically accused Qantas of acting against the “spirit” of the alliance after Qantas pushed back against the airline’s increased presence in Australia, according to Fairfax.

“I don’t see any point in us continuing to stay a part of Oneworld when other partners see us as a threat,” Al Baker said according to Bloomberg.

It’s not the first time Al Baker has threatened to leave the alliance, having previously threatened the same thing over a dispute with American Airlines, but Fairfax reports industry figures believe this may be the final straw.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce and Emirates President Tim Clark .(AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce and Emirates President Tim Clark .(AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

These mysterious figures said Qatar may leave the alliance after a meeting of OneWorld’s 13 members in early December.

Qatar, which currently flies from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth, has been trying to launch flights to Brisbane but Qantas isn’t having a bar of it.

Qantas has been successfully lobbying against the carrier’s expansion, claiming it’s habbit of selling tickets below cost prices is “uncommercial and uncompetitive”.

It also points out that by receiving state aid and interest-free loans from Qatar’s sovereign wealth “distorts markets and threatens sustainable operation of international carriers in Australia”

“We welcome healthy competition – however it must be fair,” Qantas said in a letter circulated to key industry and political figures, according to Fairfax. 

The alliance gives member airlines each other’s passengers like loyalty points, lounge access, and some booking capability.

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