Xiamen Airlines Adds Qatar Airways Brasil Codeshare From Sep 2025

(SÃO PAULO) Xiamen Airlines will place its code on Qatar Airways’ Brazil service between Doha and São Paulo Guarulhos starting September 3, 2025, opening a new one‑stop bridge for travelers moving between China, the Middle East, and South America.

The agreement is structured as a bilateral codeshare that keeps Qatar Airways as the operating carrier while adding Xiamen Airlines flight numbers on select departures. This gives Chinese travelers and partners in Asia more booking options, through‑ticketing, and aligned loyalty benefits on a busy intercontinental corridor.

What the deal means operationally

• Qatar Airways continues to operate the established Doha–São Paulo schedule.
• Xiamen Airlines adds codeshare numbers in the MF6225–MF6232 range.
• Flights operate daily and on select days, using Boeing 777 and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
• The first codeshare flights launch on September 3, 2025.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the arrangement deepens cooperation beyond China–Qatar links and extends it to South America, where Brazil is a key market for onward connections.

Passenger benefits

Passengers booking with Xiamen Airlines (MF codes) on the Doha–São Paulo leg can:

• Combine the MF‑coded segment with domestic China flights or Xiamen–Doha service.
• Enjoy one ticket and one check‑in, with baggage tagged through to the final destination — reducing missed connections and surprise fees.
• Add frequent flyer numbers at booking or check‑in to earn points (or Avios) across both networks.

Practical upside: simplified itineraries, fewer transfer headaches, and aligned loyalty accrual when both legs are on the same ticket.

Published schedule (Qatar Airways-operated, carrying Xiamen Airlines codes)

• QR779 / MF6227: DOH 01:50 – 10:40 GRU (Boeing 777, Daily)
• QR773 / MF6225: DOH 08:25 – 17:15 GRU (Airbus A350-1000, Daily)
• QR785 / MF6231: DOH 23:50 – 08:40+1 GRU (Boeing 777, Saturday)
• QR785 / MF6231: DOH 23:55 – 08:45+1 GRU (Boeing 777, Tuesday, Thursday)
• QR774 / MF6226: GRU 01:10 – 21:25 DOH (Airbus A350-1000, Monday, Tuesday)
• QR774 / MF6226: GRU 01:55 – 22:10 DOH (Airbus A350-1000, except Monday, Tuesday)
• QR786 / MF6232: GRU 10:15 – 06:30+1 DOH (Boeing 777, except Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
• QR780 / MF6228: GRU 20:20 – 16:35+1 DOH (Boeing 777, Daily)

Timing and corporate travel impact

The September start date is significant for fall trip planning and corporate travel programs finalizing budgets.

• From early September, itineraries sold via Xiamen Airlines should show MF codes on these Qatar Airways segments.
• This can help with corporate policy compliance where companies prefer booking through a home carrier or keeping accrual within a specific loyalty ecosystem.
• For families, the single itinerary reduces stress: agents can often rebook missed connections within the same ticket and checked bags move automatically.

Background and network strategy

• The codeshare builds on a 2024 announcement that initially focused on China–Qatar links.
• Xiamen Airlines also operates direct flights between Xiamen and Doha; this Brazil codeshare extends cooperation across the Atlantic.
• Analysts note the logic: Qatar Airways has strong Latin America coverage, while Xiamen Airlines is expanding long‑haul reach. Together they offer more one‑stop options for the China–Brazil market without adding aircraft immediately.

Airline and traveler considerations

For airline planners:
– Codeshares can lift load factors by filling seats through new sales channels.
– They allow testing demand before committing own aircraft to a route.

For travelers:
– More choice in departure times and connection windows.
– Aligned services like lounge access for eligible flyers.
– Mixed overnight and daytime departures help with jet‑lag planning and meeting schedules.

Booking steps and loyalty tips

Booking follows standard procedures:

1. Purchase MF‑coded flights on Xiamen Airlines’ website, app, or through agents.
2. At check‑in, expect boarding passes for all legs and baggage tagged to the final destination.
3. Add frequent flyer numbers during booking or at the airport to ensure credit posts correctly.

Qatar Airways will continue to market and sell the same flights under its QR code. Customers can choose either airline depending on fare, status benefits, or payment options.

For official airline information, see:
– Xiamen Airlines
– Qatar Airways

Immigration and travel planning notes

While a codeshare improves the air journey, it does not change border rules. Travelers must:

• Review visa and entry policies for Brazil and any transit points — rules vary by nationality and purpose.
• Confirm whether a visa is required for Brazil, passport blank‑page requirements, and whether proof of funds, return/onward tickets, or hotel details are needed.
• Consult the Brazilian government’s official visa page: Brazilian visa and entry guidance.

Transit through Doha:
– Check local transit rules, especially for long layovers or overnight stays.
– Some travelers may qualify for visa‑free transit or a transit visa; others may remain airside without permits.
– Policies depend on nationality and can change — confirm current rules when planning.

Family and documentation tips:
– Carry birth certificates or consent letters if one parent is absent.
– Students and business travelers should carry admission letters, meeting invites, or conference registrations.
– These documents can speed primary inspection and reduce secondary screening after long flights.

Market impact and traveler experience

• The China–Brazil corridor has grown in trade and people‑to‑people ties across energy, agriculture, education, and tourism.
• Xiamen Airlines can market more one‑stop options to São Paulo via Doha, instead of connecting through separate tickets.
• For Chinese travelers earning miles with Xiamen Airlines, accrual on MF‑coded segments operated by Qatar Airways keeps balances centralized.
• For Qatar Airways, partner sales can feed traffic into additional Latin American gateways beyond São Paulo.

Schedule characteristics:
– Daily services on QR779/MF6227 and QR773/MF6225 offer morning departures from Doha.
– QR785/MF6231 provides late‑night options on specific days.
– GRU–DOH flights spread across early morning, late morning, and evening to facilitate connections in Doha.
– Aircraft types (Boeing 777 and Airbus A350‑1000) indicate capacity for both premium and economy cabins.

Price and status considerations:
– Codeshares sometimes bring promotional fares when a partner opens sales on an existing route.
– Status flyers should check accrual charts as earning and redemption rules vary by fare class; compare MF‑coded vs QR‑coded ticket options.
– Having the entire trip on one ticket simplifies rebooking during irregular operations (weather, ATC delays).

Strategic outlook

• Xiamen Airlines aims to strengthen global presence incrementally.
• Qatar Airways continues investing in Latin America, with Brazil central to that strategy.
• The Brazil codeshare fits both objectives: reach more customers with limited risk while improving connectivity across three regions.
• Industry watchers expect both carriers to monitor demand and may extend MF codes to other South American cities served by Qatar Airways if bookings remain strong.

Promotions and deadlines

• New Qatar Airways Privilege Club members who enroll with code PCGCN25 by December 31, 2025, and travel by June 30, 2026, can earn up to 5,000 bonus Avios after their first flight. Terms apply and availability can change.

Final travel reminders

• Monitor airline messages before departure and arrive early for long‑haul check‑in.
• Keep travel documents together and confirm visa and health requirements.
• Consider travel insurance for multi‑segment itineraries.

With the first codeshare flights set for September 3, 2025, the Doha–São Paulo link becomes a shared touchpoint for two carriers with rising ambitions: more choice for passengers, added reach for airlines, and improved connectivity across the China–Brazil corridor.