Wednesday, July 3, 2024
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Celebrating its 25th anniversary, oneworld®, the premier global airline alliance, marked a significant milestone today during a press briefing at the IATA AGM in Dubai. The alliance’s Chairman, along with CEOs of member airlines and the new CEO, lauded oneworld’s remarkable growth and increasing relevance to customers.
Currently, oneworld stands as a robust global alliance comprising thirteen leading airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, and SriLankan Airlines. Established in 1999 by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas, oneworld is set to triple in size by 2025. Over the next twelve months, the alliance will expand from its original four founding members to fifteen, with Oman Air and Fiji Airways becoming full members.
Since its inception, oneworld has been a pioneer in the aviation industry, consistently setting high standards in customer service and connectivity. Collectively, oneworld airlines operate more than 4.5 million flights annually, serving over 500 million passengers, including an impressive 212 million members in loyalty programs. With a combined fleet exceeding 3,400 aircraft and 13,000 daily flights, oneworld member airlines have effectively connected customers, nations, and businesses worldwide. More than nine billion passengers have traveled with oneworld member airlines since its inception, firmly establishing it as the premier global airline alliance.
Robert Isom, oneworld Chairman and American Airlines CEO, reflected on the alliance’s journey: “I’m proud to mark the creation of the oneworld alliance. Since its inception 25 years ago, the alliance has raised the bar in customer service and forged a common bond between the world’s leading airlines. We have never wavered in our commitment to enhance the customer experience every day, on every flight.”
As oneworld commemorates its 25th anniversary, the alliance’s newly appointed CEO, Nat Pieper, places a strong emphasis on elevating every facet of the passenger travel journey. This includes a bold strategy to enhance premium lounges, launch a comprehensive oneworld upgrade program across all member airlines, and implement more personalized and advanced digital services.
Pieper said: “Our priority is to consistently deliver an exceptional travel experience, a best-in-class journey every step of the way. oneworld’s success over the past 25 years is due to the quality relationships between our member airlines and their constant prioritisation of guest satisfaction.
“I am honoured to serve as CEO of the world’s leading airline alliance, and I look forward to forging ever closer relationships between our terrific partners.”
Earlier this year, oneworld achieved a significant milestone with the opening of its inaugural branded premium lounges at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands and at Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea.
Already, over 45,000 guests have indulged in the new oneworld premium experience, introduced through a partnership with Swissport, a global aviation ground services provider, and the team behind ASPIRE Airport Lounges. Looking ahead, the alliance is determined to further expand its network of nearly 700 lounges.
In another pivotal development in March, oneworld launched its highly anticipated oneworld upgrade program. This initiative offers frequent flyers within the alliance a valuable new option to use their miles and points for upgrades across member airlines.
The program’s initial phase, rolled out by American Airlines and Qantas, allows AAdvantage® customers to upgrade using their miles on Qantas-operated flights. Reciprocally, Qantas Frequent Flyers will soon be able to utilize their Qantas Points for upgrades on American Airlines flights, with implementation scheduled in the coming months.
Later this year, more oneworld member airlines will join the upgrade program, marking a significant and eagerly awaited advancement for millions of loyal oneworld customers.
Furthermore, oneworld remains committed to advancing its digital transformation to enhance personalized guest experiences, empowering customers with self-service tools to manage their journeys. The alliance is actively facilitating the integration of new technology connections among member airlines to ensure smoother travels across its entire network.
As oneworld embarks on its next 25 years, its dedication to enriching every aspect of the customer journey underscores its position as the world’s foremost airline alliance. The future of air travel is here, promising even brighter horizons with oneworld.
