Qatar Airways and QNB Group have entered into a global payments partnership under which the bank will process digital payments for the airline’s e-commerce transactions, the airline said.

The agreement was signed by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Hamad Al-Khater and QNB Group Group CEO Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa, in the presence of senior representatives of both organisations, according to a press release.

The airline said the arrangement will combine QNB’s payment acceptance expertise with Qatar Airways’ digital sales channels, supporting transactions for customers across the airline’s global network. The two sides will also work to improve transaction visibility, operational efficiency and the overall payment experience, it said.

The release said the partnership also sets up a framework for further cooperation on digital commerce, customer experience, emerging technologies and payment solutions. Both organisations will explore opportunities that support their international ambitions, it said.

Al-Khater said the partnership is “an important step in that journey” of building the digital capabilities for a modern, globally connected airline. He said it would strengthen the technology and financial infrastructure behind the airline’s operations and advance its digital transformation.

Al Khalifa said the partnership reflects QNB’s focus on building globally connected financial capabilities rooted in Qatar. He said it would strengthen the infrastructure for “secure, scalable and seamless digital commerce” and contribute to the development of Qatar’s digital economy.

QNB describes itself as a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, present in more than 28 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa, with more than 31,000 staff.