Seattle Emerges as Oneworld Hub With Qatar Airways' Entry

Qatar Airways on Tuesday announced it is launching Doha-Seattle flights on March 15, the carrier’s second new U.S. route since announcing flights to San Francisco earlier this year. The route is the airline’s seventh new destination since the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic and comes at a time when most airlines worldwide are paring back international schedules.

Qatar also is partnering with Alaska Airlines to offer passengers a reciprocal frequent flyer partnership starting on December 15.

“Qatar Airways is committed to enhancing connectivity within the U.S. market, and the launch of flights to Seattle, our second new U.S. destination since the onset of the pandemic, epitomizes this commitment,” said CEO Akbar al Baker.

In addition to the new frequent flyer partnership, Qatar Airways and Alaska Airlines are working closely on developing a codeshare agreement ahead of the U.S. carrier joining the Oneworld airline alliance in March.

In advance of Alaska joining Oneworld, it and American Airlines recently announced reciprocal upgrade and other passenger benefits. The two carriers also are expected to coordinate feed on flights from Seattle and Los Angeles. Qatar’s entry into Seattle highlights the city’s importance as an emerging Oneworld hub.

Delta Air Lines, the other major presence at Seattle, is a member of the SkyTeam alliance.

Emirates’ Dubai-Seattle flights remain suspended and are expected to resume in the first quarter of next year.

Qatar’s planned Seattle flights will operate four times weekly on A350-900s configured with 36 business-class seats and 247 economy-class seats.