Finnair and Iberia board oneworld

1999年9月1日

The oneworld™ global airline alliance will be significantly expanded tomorrow (Wednesday, September 1) with Finnair and Iberia introducing oneworld services and benefits.

Members of the two airlines' frequent flyer programmes will be able to earn and redeem awards across the networks of all seven oneworld member airlines, with the most frequent travellers able to access airport lounges of the entire grouping.

Members of the existing five oneworld member airlines will be able to earn and redeem awards on Finnair and Iberia, with the most frequent travellers able to access the two airlines' airport lounges.

Employees from Finnair and Iberia will offer support and assistance to passengers travelling across the globe with any of the oneworld airlines and will ensure smoother transfers for all oneworld journeys.

By joining the alliance, the two airlines will add more than 50 new destinations to the oneworld network, bringing the total number of destinations served by oneworld member airlines to more than 650, with access to more than 230 lounges around the globe.

Welcoming the newcomers, Don Carty, American Airlines' Chief Executive and current Chairman of the oneworld Governing Board, said: "This is another key development for oneworld in our constant quest to improve services for our customers in their travels worldwide. The addition of these two high-quality airlines will significantly expand our presence in Northern and Southern Europe and substantially increase the travel options we offer to Latin America."

Destinations served by Iberia and Finnair will also be added to the list of more than 650 destinations that global travellers can visit using oneworld's around-the-world Explorer fares.

oneworld was launched in February 1999 by British Airways, American Airlines, Canadian Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways and Qantas to offer more convenient and seamless global travel. LanChile is due to join the alliance and offer full oneworld benefits in 2000