Qatar Airways has announced it is planning a code share with Qantas, to provide Australian travellers with a new Middle-Eastern link through to Europe.

Qatar chief executive Akbar Al Baker was pleased with the Australian carrier’s objectives and strategy and said he will discuss plans with Qantas’ senior executives next week, in an effort to actualise the partnership, News.com.au reported.

“Qantas under Alan Joyce has taken a very positive attitude towards Qatar and Emirates and we hope that both our airlines will be able to work with Qantas closely going forward,” he said.  

“We can only make ourselves stronger with this sort of partnership.

“Most certainly we will have a partnership with Qantas.”

The formal agreement will see the two airlines code-share on joint flights while making transfers to Qantas domestic services simpler.

Qantas admitted its international business was struggling during the Australian Tourism Exchange 2012, held in Perth earlier this year.

Qantas has also attempted to extend code-sharing agreements with Malaysian Airlines and British Airways, allowing for ease of travel to Europe via Asia.

Mr Al Baker said the agreement would benefit both airlines by expanding Qantas’ options to Europe and enhance Qatar’s services to Australia.