AUCKLAND- The British Airways (BA) and Qatar Airways (QR) joint business agreement has been extended for five more years, with Spanish airline Iberia (IB) now included in the refreshed deal approved by New Zealand’s government.
Acting Transport Minister James Meager stated the alliance should benefit travelers from New Zealand (NZ) and international tourists through improved flight coordination, scheduling conveniences, and enhanced loyalty program access between the partner airlines.
Photo: British AirwaysBritish and Qatar Airways Alliance, NZ Extension
The reauthorized agreement, now valid until May 31, 2030, significantly expands the alliance’s reach by incorporating Iberia into the existing partnership.
British Airways (BA) and Iberia both operate under the London-headquartered International Airlines Group umbrella and are members of the oneworld global airline alliance alongside Qatar Airways (QR). This alliance stands as a competitor to Star Alliance, which includes Air New Zealand (NZ).
The inclusion of Iberia is expected to strengthen connectivity between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, while also expanding access to additional European destinations, NZ Herald reported.
This strategic expansion comes as neighboring Australia’s competition regulator recently approved a separate alliance between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, indicating growing regional cooperation among international carriers.
Photo: Qatar AirwaysCivil Aviation Act Updates
The new Civil Aviation Act, which took effect recently, introduces improved processes for authorizing airline cooperation agreements. According to Minister Meager, the updated legislation enhances transparency by requiring proposed decisions to be published and opened for public consultation before finalization.
Additional provisions in the act enable more comprehensive on-time performance reporting for airlines and introduce price transparency mechanisms to benefit consumers. Consumer NZ has urged the minister to leverage these new powers to require airlines to better inform passengers about their rights under the updated legislation.
The revised Civil Aviation Act incorporates several forward-looking provisions designed to address evolving aviation industry needs. As drone technology continues to develop, the new regulatory framework enables policies and rules to be updated more efficiently, potentially fostering greater innovation and investment in this rapidly expanding sector.
Aviation safety receives significant attention in the updated legislation, with the introduction of random drug and alcohol testing for personnel in safety-sensitive positions. Additionally, Aviation Security officers have been granted clearer enforcement powers to enhance traveler safety throughout New Zealand’s aviation network.
The reforms also establish a more streamlined appeals process for pilots facing license cancellations or suspensions. Unlike the previous system that required appeals through the time-consuming and costly District Court process, pilots can now have their cases reviewed by aviation experts, ensuring both fairness and industry-specific understanding in these critical professional matters.
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The post British and Qatar Airways Alliance Renewed for 5 Years by New Zealand Govt appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
