Qatar Airways Renews Oneworld Exit Threat Over Qantas Rift

  • Al Baker says Australian carrier sent critical letter to staff
  • Gulf company says it doesn’t need global alliance to prosper
Photographer: Taylor Weidman/Bloomberg
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker renewed his threat to abandon the Oneworld global alliance, citing a letter he said Australian partner Qantas Airways Ltd. had sent to staff attacking his carrier’s expansion there.

Al Baker’s comments on Tuesday marked a further deterioration in relations with Qantas, which has a joint venture with Qatar Air’s Dubai-based rival Emirates. The CEO reiterated remarks from October saying he could abandon Oneworld if other members fail to act “in the spirit” of the partnership.