Qatar Airways links up with New York's JetBlue

New York-based JetBlue Airways and Qatar Airways have announced a one-way codeshare agreement to connect the carriers' networks, subject to receipt of government approval.

The two airlines, which have been interline partners since 2011, will connect via New York's John F Kennedy International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.

Tickets featuring a Qatar Airways flight number will soon be available for sale for JetBlue-operated connections in 26 markets between New York/JFK and Washington Dulles, a statement said.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said: "We are delighted to further expand our partnership with JetBlue, an airline that focuses on quality and service, a key hallmark of Qatar Airways.

"Through this enhanced agreement, we will extend our reach to more customers and more markets, providing greater convenience for travellers to and from our global network."

"We are pleased to deepen our successful relationship with Qatar Airways through this new codeshare at JFK and Dulles, providing customers more access to both networks," added Dave Barger, JetBlue's president and CEO.

"Qatar has been a great partner for JetBlue, serving our customers well with their outstanding product and service."

JetBlue is a top domestic airline at JFK, with more than 150 daily departures to dozens of major US cities including Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

At Washington Dulles, the airline offers service to Boston, New York, and Long Beach and Oakland, California.