In September 2012, Reuters reported: “Qatar Airways has no plans to join the Oneworld airline alliance, its Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker said on Sunday, dismissing reports that the airline had become the newest member of the group as ‘rumor’”. However, in May 2013 it was announced that Qatar Airways would join Oneworld and in June 2015, the BBC reported that “Qatar Airways boss Akbar Al Baker has threatened to leave the Oneworld alliance, accusing American Airlines of blocking his carrier's business”. In 2021, Qatar Airways is still a member of Oneworld, and its CEO Al Baker was selected as Chairman of Oneworld.

(a) With respect to these developments discuss the advantages and disadvantages for Qatar Airways of being a member of Oneworld. 

(b) Based on this discussion make a recommendation as to whether the airline should stay in or leave the alliance.