Qatar Airways has entered a new codeshare with Xiamen Airlines, the first Chinese airline to operate passenger nonstop flights from Mainland China to Qatar.
Under the cooperation agreement, Xiamen Airlines will launch daily flights between Beijing’s Daxing International Airport and Hamad International Airport, the home of Qatar Airways with its Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The flights will commence on 20 October 2023.
In addition to the flights from Beijing, Xiamen Airlines will also launch two weekly flights from Xiamen, the special economic zone of Fujian Sheng province, to Doha. The flights commence on 31 October 2023.
Qatar Airways will codeshare on these new flights, which will enhance its presence in Mainland China, that comprises six destinations with a total of 31 weekly flights operated by Qatar Airways followed by double daily flights to Hong Kong. As part of the new agreement, Xiamen Airlines will place its marketing code on Qatar Airways flights to and from Beijing.
The new direct services from Beijing to Doha will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 that features a two-class configuration for 287 passengers, with 30 Business class seats and 257 in Economy class.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to announce this comprehensive cooperation and to welcome our new partner, Xiamen Airlines, to Hamad International Airport, our home in Qatar. We are proud and honored that Xiamen Airlines has chosen Doha as a new destination in their network and their only destination in the Middle East. Their flights are perfectly connected to our unparalleled global network offering customers of both airlines greater choice and seamless travel experiences.”
Zhao Dong, chairman of Xiamen Airlines said: “Both Qatar Airways and Xiamen Airlines are the winners of APEX World Class Awards in 2022 showing our shared commitment to high quality service. The partnership of two Five-Star airlines will bring wonderful flying experiences to the customers worldwide.”