American Airlines and Qatar Airways strengthen relationship with Reciprocal Frequent Flyer Program agreement.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - American Airlines and Doha-based Qatar Airways announce an expansion of their relationship to include a reciprocal frequent flyer program agreement, providing customers more opportunities to earn and redeem miles when traveling across each airline's global network.

American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn and redeem AAdvantage miles and Qatar Privilege Club members can earn and redeem Qatar Qmiles when traveling on flights operated by the other carrier. This agreement is in addition to the codeshare relationship the two carriers have in place, which includes joint marketing on 170 unique routes throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

"For members of the AAdvantage program, the ability to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by American's partner airlines is one of the most important customer benefits the program offers," said Suzanne Rubin, American's President – AAdvantage Loyalty Program. "This expansion of our relationship with Qatar is another example of how American is focused on strengthening its global network through building strategic partnerships with other airlines, all while meeting the needs of our most loyal customers."

"This agreement represents the natural evolution of Qatar Airways' strong codeshare relationship with American Airlines," said Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways. "We are very pleased to begin this frequent flyer partnership and further enhance the travel experience for customers of both carriers."

Qatar currently serves 130 destinations in more than 70 countries in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Australia. From its Doha hub, Qatar serves 22 cities throughout the Middle East and offers more than 1,100 weekly flights, including service to American's hubs in New York (JFK) and Chicago (ORD), as well as Houston (IAH), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and, beginning in April of next year, Philadelphia (PHL).

In addition to expanding its partnership with American, as previously announced, Qatar Airways will join the oneworld alliance on Oct. 30, making it the first of the three major airlines based in the Gulf region to join a global airline alliance.