The global airline alliance said this in an announcement that Alaska Airlines would enter Oneworld, and became the 14th member airline of the alliance “by the end of the year”.
The airlines enter the Oneworld alliance sooner than initially expected. In February, the carrier announced it will join the alliance by summer 2021.
Alaska Airlines is partnering with Oneworld to offer benefits to its customers as soon as possible, aiming to join Oneworld by year’s end. Horizon Air, a wholly-owned regional subsidiary of the carrier, as well as its national partner SkyWest Airlines, will participate at the same time as representatives of Oneworld affiliates.
Upon approval by Oneworld Governing Board and the formal invitation extended to the airline, Alaska Airlines was selected as an Oneworld member designate. In February 2020, until it revealed plans to form a US West Coast International Alliance with Oneworld founder partner American Airlines, Alaska Airlines initially declared its intent at becoming an Oneworld partner.
The alliance promises that when it becomes a member, the carrier must give its customers the “full spectrum of Oneworld customer services and benefits” Alaska Mileage Plan loyalty members will also be able to acquire and redeem rewards on all Oneworld member airlines, and top tier members will have access to over 650 worldwide lounges.
Alaska Airlines currently codeshares American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines and Qantas, with Oneworld partners.
Alaska Airlines’ entry would connect 34 new destinations throughout North America to the Oneworld network. The network of the alliance will expand to over 1000 destinations in more than 170 territories. Alaska Airlines, headquartered in Seattle, serves over 115 destinations in North America, with its regional partners. It serves bases in Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland (Oregon), and Anchorage. The Alaska Air Group operates a fleet of 319 aircraft, including the Airbus A320 family, Boeing 737, Embraer 175, and Bombardier Q400 aircraft.
“We feel extremely pleased to invite Alaska Airlines into Oneworld. Including its decent position into the Us West Coast as well as its collaboration with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines will become a tremendous asset for Oneworld, presenting everyone to bring perhaps greater value to our member airlines and client, “stated Oneworld Chairman of the Board and Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce.
Oneworld CEO Rob Gurney said: “Joining Alaska Airlines will bring another high-quality airline operator to Oneworld, enabling together to deliver several more destinations and choices to our member airlines’ customers. This enhances the existence of Oneworld at key airports on the US West Coast and will continue expanding on the current collaborations among Alaska Airlines and other Oneworld members.
