Oneworld Connect Announces First Partner, Fiji Airways
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APEX Insight: Fiji Airways will be the first partner in the oneworld alliance’s new Connect program, that is designed to further expand the reach of the global alliance, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Announced at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in Sydney, Australia, on June 3, oneworld Connect will allow the global alliance to expand its network in parts of the world where it has gaps. The pool of potential new alliance members is limited, concedes oneworld CEO Rob Gurney, with more than 80% of the world’s top 50 airlines already members of global airline alliances, resulting in the need for a new membership platform. Connect is a way for oneworld to link with new partners that are unable or unwilling to meet full oneworld membership criteria.
80% of the world’s top 50 airlines are members of global airline alliances.
To qualify, Connect partners must be sponsored by at least three oneworld members; meet IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) requirements; make their networks available via the Global Explorer round-the-world fare offered by oneworld members; and consistently deliver certain oneworld Connect customer services and benefits.
Connect membership will provide partners with select alliance benefits for frequent flyers from any oneworld member airline traveling on their flights, with more extensive benefits offered with the airline’s oneworld sponsors. Benefits include priority check-in and boarding and the ability to earn and redeem frequent flyer rewards and earn frequent flyer status points.
Fiji Airways has been sponsored by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, with the Australian carrier to mentor Fiji through the program. American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qantas already have codeshare and frequent flyer links with Fiji Airways, while BA is discussing areas of potential cooperation. Andre Viljoen, CEO Fiji Airways, says the airline is “thrilled and honored” to be the first oneworld Connect member, anticipating new services and benefits for its customers, while allowing the airline to further build inbound tourism. The airline operates a fleet of 18 aircraft to 21 destinations.
Oneworld, which currently has 13 full members and 30 affiliates, expects most of its future membership growth to come from the Connect programme, with discussions under way with potential partners in Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas, says Gurney.
Star Alliance has a similar Connecting Partner scheme, with its first member, China’s Juneyao Airlines joining in May 2017.