Hot on the heels of Emirates’ new alliance with Qantas, Qatar Airways has reportedly held talks with British Airways owner IAG about a similar deal. 

Arabian Business reports that IAG is interested in partnering with Qatar Airways so that it can benefit from the airline’s expanding network in Asia.

Qatar Airways is apparently one of three airlines currently in talks with IAG. IAG CEO Willie Walsh and Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker are thought to have a close working relationship, which could help clinch the deal. 

Qantas ended a 17-year relationship with BA when it announced the new deal with Emirates, which will essentially hand over most of its flights to Europe to the UAE based airline.

Qantas will replace Singapore with Dubai as its hub for European flights from March 2013.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by Sam Haesebeyt