American Airlines and Qatar Airways have signed a new codeshare agreement.

The deal, which has already obtained government approvals, comes ahead of Qatar Airways’ entry into the oneworld alliance, of which American was a founder member.

American and Qatar will codeshare on direct flights between the US and Doha, as well as flights connecting at the carriers’ European gateways such as Paris and London, and flights to cities in the US and beyond Doha. The two airlines will also offer reciprocal frequent flier benefits.

“Our extensive codeshare relationship with Qatar Airways will provide our customers with easy, premium access when travelling to and from the Middle East and beyond,” said Kurt Stache, American’s Vice President of Strategic Alliances. “This new codeshare relationship with Qatar is another example of how American is focused on building its global network through closer coordination with its alliance partners around the world.”

The codeshare flights will be open for booking from 10 February 2013, for travel commencing 26 February 2013.

Qatar Airways became the first major Gulf carrier to join a global alliance when it signed up with oneworld in October 2012. The airline will add 15 destinations to the oneworld network.

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