Global airline alliance launches new membership platform.
oneworld ceo Rob Gurney has just announced a significant expansion program, which will allow a broader scope of carriers to leverage the benefits of being part of the alliance.
The ‘oneworld connect’ strategy will enable the airline group to “bring together more airlines to complement the alliance’s global leaders, so customers can earn rewards and feel recognised while travelling even further”.
Fiji Airways has been announced as the inaugural oneworld connect partner, with the carrier to begin offering the services and benefits of oneworld “in due course”.
Each oneworld connect partner will need to have a minimum of three oneworld members as its sponsors in order to be initiated into the program. FJ’s initial sponsors include American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas – all four of the alliance’s founding carriers. Qantas will also mentor Fiji Airways through its oneworld connect implementation process.
Gurney said oneworld was also in discussion with other carriers interested in participating in the program from various parts of the world, including the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe.
oneworld connect partners will provide select alliance benefits to frequent flyers from any oneworld member airline travelling on their flights, including priority check-in and boarding for high status frequent flyers. In addition, passengers from sponsor carriers will enjoy through check-in of baggage, reciprocal frequent flyer benefits and lounge access.
All oneworld connect members will also make their networks available via the Global Explorer alliance fare, and will be required to maintain IATA IOSA safety certification.
More details in tomorrow’s issue of Travel Daily.