NEW YORK (AP) ― Qatar Airways is joining an alliance of airlines including American Airlines, British Airways and nine other carriers that coordinate routes and allow passengers to earn frequent-flier miles on each other’s flights.

The inclusion in the oneworld alliance ― aimed at allowing passengers to hop around the globe easier ― signals the growing importance of Persian Gulf carriers such as Doha-based Qatar.

“Alliances are playing an increasingly important role in the airline industry today ― and that will continue long into the future,” Qatar’s CEO Akbar Al Baker said in a statement.

It will take 12 to 18 months for Qatar to join the alliance.