Though Qatar Airways received a red-carpet reception from the oneworld alliance that it joined yesterday, not everyone welcome the national carrier into the club with open arms.

A handful of pilots from American Airlines turned up at the event to protest QA’s membership, saying it will hurt them at home.

USA Today reports:

American’s pilots, however, aren’t happy about the deal. They are in a nasty contract dispute with the company as it restructures in federal bankruptcy court. They picketed Monday’s event saying partnerships like the new one with Qatar are costing them jobs.

“It’s cutting in on our flying and our jobs,” AA Capt. John Diacsuk tells AP’s Mayerowitz. “How do you maintain morale at a company where everybody is getting pink slips.”

Meanwhile, reaction to QA’s entrance into the alliance has been mixed in Doha, with most frequent-fliers just wanting to know how this will affect them.

Only time will tell, though some analysts say this could lead to a jump in local airfares.

Thoughts?