The bad fairy at the christening of the alliance between Qatar Airways and American Airlines this week was American Airlines’ disgruntled pilots.
According to the US press, a group of American Airlines pilots came to the party and picketed Qatar Airways’ membership saying the inclusion costs them jobs.
AA Captain John Diacsuk told AP that the code share alliance "cuts in on our flying and our jobs."
Qatar’s routes include three US cities: New York, Washington and Chicago.
Qatar Airways will become the first of the three major airlines based in the Gulf to sign for any of the global airline alliances
The Doha-based airline’s implementation into oneworld is expected to take between 12 and 18 months.
The carrier is set to move into a new home in 2013 with the opening of the New Doha International Airport. British Airways will serve as its sponsor in joining oneworld.
Qatar Airways will be oneworld’s second member airline based in the Middle East, alongside Royal Jordanian, which joined oneworld in 2007.
By Gretchen Kelly and Ian Jarrett
