justinbrett
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You are correct, although QR was in Oneworld when the QF-EK relationship was renewed for another 5 years. Its what drove QR and VA together.
EK and QF agreed to a 10 year deal from the get go (sure ACCC only approved 5 years but the two airlines had a deal)
QR has had a beef with QF long before 2018. It planned to leave oneworld, citing QF and AA as reasons. Asian travelers hit by Qatar Airways threat to quit Oneworld
Arguably QR’s strategy is no different to EK’s, it will work with its own patchwork of partners that helps them the most. Oneworld when it suits but not a requirement.
The reason why these Gulf carriers don’t make great alliance members is that in many ways they see themselves as a global carrier, they don’t need other long haul airlines to work with as their reach is global. They just need partners for the domestic and short international connections.
I have no problem with that, I think both QF and VA are sensible for making their respective arrangements, but it’s quite different to a traditional alliance partner. Even with QF, you’re either going to LHR on QF metal via SIN or QF is selling you an EK ticket. It’s not like other alliance partners where it’s more integrated.