Qatar Airways has announced an immediate partnership with British Airways between the airlines’ frequent flyer programmes.

Qatar Airways Privilege Club members and British Airways Executive Club members are now able to earn miles, and can begin redeeming miles as of October 1st 2013 on each other’s flights.

Privilege Club is Qatar Airways way of saying thank you to its customers for choosing to fly with the airline.

Members enjoy a range of exclusive privileges and benefits designed to make travelling even more rewarding.

“The benefit partnering with British Airways brings to our customers is the added opportunity to earn Qmiles,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways chief executive.

Privilege Club members may redeem their Qmiles for award tickets, excess baggage or merchandise through Qatar Duty Free or Oryx Galleria in Doha.

“This Frequent Flyer Programme partnership also gives British Airways customers an opportunity to attain credit for destinations throughout the entire Qatar Airways network,” continued Al Baker.

“Passengers of both airlines traveling to and from the UK, Africa, Australia and Asia now have more flexibility and frequency when they route trip through Doha as Qatar Airways flies five flights daily to London Heathrow Airport.”

Qatar Airways will join British Airways in the oneworld airline alliance later this year.