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As the Oneworld Alliance marks its 25th anniversary, it reflects on remarkable growth and unwavering dedication to enhancing the customer experience. The milestone was celebrated at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Dubai. Oneworld’s Chairman, member airline CEOs, and the alliance’s new CEO highlighted the alliance’s significant achievements and ambitious plans.

A Quarter-Century of Growth and Innovation

Since its inception in 1999, Oneworld has evolved into a robust global alliance, now 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. The alliance, initially founded by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas, is set to expand further, with Oman Air and Fiji Airways joining as full members by 2025.

Oneworld has consistently set industry benchmarks in customer service and connectivity. The alliance’s member airlines operate over 4.5 million flights annually, carrying more than 500 million passengers, including 212 million frequent flyer members. With a combined fleet of over 3,400 aircraft and 13,000 daily flights, Oneworld connects customers, countries, and businesses across the globe. Over nine billion passengers have flown with Oneworld member airlines since its inception, underscoring its position as the world’s leading airline alliance.

Commitment to Customer Experience

Reflecting on the alliance’s journey, Robert Isom, Oneworld Chairman and American Airlines CEO, stated, “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.”

Nat Pieper, the new CEO of Oneworld, emphasized the alliance’s commitment to customer satisfaction. “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 prioritization of guest satisfaction. I am honored to serve as CEO of the world’s leading airline alliance, and I look forward to forging ever closer relationships between our terrific partners.”

Enhancing the Travel Experience

One of the highlights of Oneworld’s 25th-anniversary celebrations is its focus on enhancing all aspects of the customer journey. The alliance has launched a premium lounge strategy, with new branded lounges opening in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and Incheon International Airport in Seoul. These lounges, developed in partnership with Swissport and ASPIRE Airport Lounges, have already welcomed over 45,000 guests and offer a premium travel experience.

Oneworld has also introduced the highly anticipated upgrade program, allowing frequent flyers to use their miles and points for upgrades across member airlines. The first phase, launched by American Airlines and Qantas, enables AAdvantage® customers to use their miles for upgrades on Qantas-operated flights. A reciprocal offering for Qantas Frequent Flyers to use their points for upgrades on American Airlines flights is in development. More member airlines will join the upgrade program later this year, making it a valuable addition for millions of loyal customers.

Digital Transformation and Future Plans

Oneworld is committed to pioneering digital transformation to elevate the personalized guest experience. The alliance aims to provide customers with self-servicing tools to manage their journey and support the implementation of new technology connections between member airlines. This digital initiative is set to improve journeys across the entire alliance network, making travel more seamless and enjoyable.

As Oneworld enters its next 25 years, it remains dedicated to enhancing every aspect of the customer journey, reaffirming its position as the world’s leading airline alliance. The future of air travel is here, and it’s brighter than ever with Oneworld.

For more information about Oneworld and its member airlines, visit Oneworld.