IAG to preserve Qatar ties if carrier quits oneworld

IAG expects to maintain its co-operation with Qatar Airways, even as it predicts that the carrier will drop out of the oneworld alliance. Qatar Airways CE Akbar Al Baker had revealed in October that the airline was considering withdrawing from oneworld. IAG appears virtually resigned to this possibility. CE Willie Walsh, said a Qatar Airways split from oneworld was highly likely. "[Al Baker] doesn't say these things without being genuine behind the comments," says Walsh. "He's annoyed with the way some members of oneworld have responded to them as an alliance partner – he doesn't believe it's appropriate.” Qatar Airways holds a share of around 20% in IAG. Walsh says a withdrawal from the alliance "won't, in any way, have an impact on [IAG's] relationship" with Qatar Airways. <br/>