Qmiles, the currency of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club frequent-flyer programme, can now be earned and redeemed on all flights operated by Thai carrier, Bangkok Airways.

The reciprocal loyalty tie-up is a notable expansion from the two airlines’ existing partnership, which began in 2013 with the introduction of codeshare flights.

Meanwhile, though not as extensive, Bangkok Airways’ Flyerbonus members can also earn and redeem miles “on eligible Qatar Airways flights”, though it is not clear which exact routes this entails.

“This reciprocal relationship between Privilege Club and Flyerbonus is a natural extension of the highly productive relationship that we have enjoyed with Bangkok Airways since our codeshare partnership began in May 2013,” said Ehab Amin, Qatar Airways’ chief commercial officer. “We are delighted to be able to extend the range of benefits available to our Privilege Club members, through our relationship with this trusted partner.”

Qatar Airways has been ramping up its focus on the Thai market recently, most notably with the launch of flights to its fifth destination in the country, Pattaya, late last month as well as the upcoming launch of its seasonal four-times-weekly service to Chiang Mai starting next month.

The carrier also plans to up the frequency of its Krabi flights from December 1 by four flights per week, turning the service into a daily route, and back in June Qatar Airways added its fifth daily service to Bangkok.

Bangkok Airways, meanwhile, recently launched new flights between Bangkok and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, flying four times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday).

qatarairways.com; bangkokair