IndiGo code-shares with Qatar

IndiGo has signed a one-way codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways, allowing Qatar to place its code on IndiGo flights between Doha, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The agreement may be enhanced in the future.

TT Bureau

The agreement was announced in New Delhi, where Ronojoy Dutta, CEO, IndiGo and Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways, signed the codeshare agreement. However, the two airlines claimed that they are looking at making it a two-way codeshare in the future, and grow the relationship further. Speaking at the event, Dutta said, “Qatar has a great network and track record of success, as well as product excellence. A one-way codeshare is just a small step and I look forward to enhance the relationship with Qatar Airways.”

Al Baker agreed, saying, “The agreement between IndiGo and Qatar Airways is an important first step in giving Indian travellers choice to connect to the world through our home and hub at Hamad International Airport, from where we fly to more than 170 destinations worldwide.” The new codeshare agreement will be implemented from December, once the systems of the two airlines are integrated.

Beyond one-way codeshare

Dutta claims that the one-way codeshare is a step towards IndiGo’s plans to fly international. “We are expanding internationally, and we need a lot of system work before we do that. Hence, we are starting small, but we do have plans. We started this journey with Turkish Airlines, which is creating a lot of pressure on our system and processes, which is why we want to take this new codeshare with Qatar slowly,” he shared.

With IndiGo being an LCC and Qatar a full-service, the question arises as to how the two would offer the same level of service to passengers. Baker commented, “Passengers that are on IndiGo codeshare with QR will receive the same amenities that we provide in the Economy Class of Qatar Airways.”

Agreement with Turkish Airlines

When asked about how IndiGo’s new codeshare with Qatar augurs with an existing agreement with Turkish Airlines, Dutta said, “Turkish flies to Istanbul and Qatar flies to Doha, which won’t have any conflict. And eventually, when we have a full codeshare with Qatar, our passengers will go beyond Doha, which won’t conflict with Turkish Airlines.”

Baker claims that Qatar Airways is interested in investing in IndiGo, but will wait for the time being.