British Airways and Qatar Airways have completed the latest phase in the expansion of their partnership, offering global connectivity between more countries than any other airline joint business.

The airlines have added 42 new countries to their shared network, including Italy, the Maldives, Norway, Singapore, and Sweden — giving passengers enhanced access between destinations in Europe and the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

According to the carriers, customers will now benefit from even greater choices in prices and schedules with options for direct flights as well as connections via hubs in London and Doha.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said the expansion will enable seamless connecting journeys on single tickets through Doha, the World’s Best Airport, and London, bringing the total number of destinations served by the two airlines to 185 across more than 60 countries.

He said the complementary networks uniquely access dozens of countries that no other alliance or joint business provides and the partnership also ensures access to more cities around the world than ever before, continuing to support global trade, tourism, investment, and cultural connection.

“The growing collaboration between Qatar Airways and British Airways shows our customers our common goal to offer an unparalleled network with unique benefits,” Al Baker said.

“Travellers can now experience the best in quality and service as they travel across our joint network.

“The joint business between our airlines cements both Qatar Airways and British Airways as industry leaders, aiming to provide the utmost flexibility and unrivalled connectivity to our customers.”

Additionally, customers will have more freedom to engage with both airlines’ loyalty programmes, earning and spending Avios, their common currency.

Customers are able to seamlessly link their Qatar Airways Privilege Club and British Airways Executive Club accounts to transfer Avios between the two, and combine balances to claim rewards offered by each programme.

The collaboration also offers access to both airline’s exclusive lounges, and cabins to suit all budgets and needs, including British Airways’ new Club Suite and Qatar Airways’ award-winning Qsuite.

“This is a huge milestone in our long-standing relationship with Qatar Airways, an airline that shares our passion for customer service, choice and flexibility,” said British Airways Chairman and CEO, Sean Doyle.

“From idyllic holiday hotspots such as the Maldives and Thailand, to business hubs such as Singapore, we are pleased to open up the world as the travel industry continues to make steps towards its recovery.”

According to the carriers, cooperation on a small number of routes remains subject to pending regulatory clearances.