Qatar Airways Sign Agreement with Spanish Airlines

Doha, September 30 (QNA) - Qatar Airways and Vueling have signed an interline agreement that will enable Qatars five-star national airline to increase the number of passengers to Europe, while strengthening Vuelings hubs in Rome and Barcelona. The agreement, which came into effect on September 1st , 2014, will also improve trans-European traffic by providing passengers with an even greater range of options for long-haul connections, according to a Qatar Airways press release issued today. Barcelonas El Prat Airport is Vuelings main hub, where the company holds 38% market share, and from which the airline offers direct flights to 121 destinations and up to 11,000 connections across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.Additionally, Vueling currently offers 40 direct routes from Fiumicino Airport in Rome, the companys second operational hub, as well as 850 possible connections to destinations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Additionally, Vueling currently offers 40 direct routes from Fiumicino Airport in Rome, the companys second operational hub, as well as 850 possible connections to destinations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. This agreement follows the codeshare set up with British Airways, a fellow member of oneworld along with Qatar Airways, in June.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, said: "This agreement with Vueling is the first step in offering our clients seamless access to and from Europe via Rome-Fiumicino and El Prat. Both airlines, as well as the teams at Fiumicino and El Prat will work towards providing the best possible travel experience for all our passengers." "Over the last five years Vueling has been the engine of growth at El Prat Airport and now this new agreement will give us, Qatar and Vueling, the opportunity to further improve Fiumicinos network" adds the President of Vueling, ?lex Cruz. "Both airports will increase its ranking and become more competitive across Europe and the world." Qatar Airways which has been operating in Spain since 2005, offers 10 flights per week to Barcelona, and seven flights per week to Madrid. The airline also flies to three destinations in Italy, with a double-daily service to both Rome and Milan, and daily flights to Venice.(QNA)