Qatar boss joins world's longest flight, hits out at Air New Zealand
Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker has slammed Air New Zealand's decision to end a commercial partnership, a move he says could prevent the people of New Zealand from being connected to the world.
The commercial partnership, dubbed the SPA (special pro-rate agreement), was designed to make it easier for airlines to put passengers on each others' planes by providing discounted rates.
Al Baker, a notably outspoken executive in the airline industry, didn't hold back in a press conference on Tuesday, lamenting Air New Zealand's decision to withdraw from the partnership.
"As we promote New Zealand to the outside world the national carrier would want to be part of this," he said in a statement to media.
"But unfortunately, being pressured from their bigger alliance partners have withdrawn the SPA which means we can't really connect the people of New Zealand to the large international network that we so wanted."
Akbar AL Baker. Photos: SNPA/Getty
To add further salt to the wound, Al Baker said he was disappointed Air New Zealand's chief executive Christopher Luxon turned down an invitation to Qatar's function night to celebrate the start of their daily flights from Doha.
Air New Zealand confirmed its withdrawal from the agreement, but defended its decision.
"The agreement was withdrawn last year," a spokeswoman told NZME.
"Air New Zealand has a number of commercial arrangements with partner airlines and is under no obligation to offer preferred rates to competitors."
Air New Zealand is part of the Star Alliance, which includes airlines such as Singapore Air, United and Lufthansa.
Meanwhile, passengers wondering how they might entertain themselves on what is billed as the world's longest flight - Qatar Airways' Auckland to Doha route - could follow the example of the airline's boss.
At 14,535km, the flight can take up to 17 hours and 45 minutes, or the equivalent of watching the entire Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Akbar AL Baker. Photo: Getty
Yet, such pursuits do not seem to attract Al Baker, who instead treated the flight like an extension of his office.
"I kept myself entertained by doing work, because I like to work," he told NZ Newswire.
The daily flight is set to further heat up competition in New Zealand with Middle East rival Emirates also offering flights each day into Auckland from Dubai.
National air traffic controller Airways New Zealand said in January jet movements had risen by 9 per cent, or an extra 315 flights each week, this summer compared to last year.
Auckland's airport predicts the Qatar daily service will add $198 million annually to the country's economy.
Al Baker said the new flight mostly targets European visitors but will also bring new Middle Eastern travellers, who even if they do not share his enthusiasm for working on airplanes, will still be happy to board the long flight.
"People want to have the shortest travel time, people prefer to travel direct without making too many stops and this is what we offer," he said.
Unlike Emirates' Airbus A380s, which have payload restrictions, Qatar's smaller Boeing 777-200LR can also carry freight, Al Baker said.
With Qatar's annual two-way trade with New Zealand exceeding $330 million, Trade Minister Todd McClay praised the flight for adding 116 tonnes of freight capacity between the nations each week.
"This increased freight capacity will support New Zealand exporters getting their fresh product to the Middle East and beyond," he said.
– With NZN
