Launched on February 1st, 1999, oneworld is today marking their milestone 25th anniversary. Since that time, the alliance member airlines have flown nearly nine billion customers, connecting friends, loved ones and cultures worldwide.
On Thursday (February 1, 2024), the global oneworld® alliance celebrated their landmark 25th anniversary. Founded on February 1st, 1999, the member airlines of the alliance have since carrier nearly nine billion customers, connecting friends, loved ones and cultures worldwide. Today, a oneworld member flight takes off or lands every six seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The alliance’s founding members include American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, which formed the organization to increase connectivity and flexibility, while rewarding frequent flyers with special benefits and privileges.
Since 1999, oneworld has grown to 13 members, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines. The alliance also includes 26 affiliate airlines and a oneworld connect partner, Fiji Airways. This year, Oman Air is set to join the alliance, becoming oneworld’s 14th full member. Over 330,000 airline professionals across oneworld’s member airlines work tirelessly to deliver memorable guest experiences across the alliance. In celebration of the milestone 25th anniversary, uniformed staff across oneworld member airlines will be wearing a specially-designed 25th anniversary pin badge.
In today’s announcement, American Airlines; Chief Executive Officer and oneworld Alliance Chairman, Robert Isom, said,
“We are happy to celebrate the world’s leading airline alliance with more than 200 million loyal customers around the globe. Together, we now operate more than 12,000 departures every day – equivalent to a oneworld member airline flight taking off or landing every six seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Highlighted by the recent opening of our first fully-branded oneworld lounge in Seoul in South Korea, we continue to expand the oneworld network around the world for the benefit of our customers. We look forward to the next 25 years of setting new standards in customer excellence and innovation.”
Also commenting on oneworld’s 25th anniversary, founding member Cathay Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Lam, said,
“Celebrating 25 years of oneworld is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. Our partnership has enabled us to connect cultures, bridge continents, and create lasting memories for travellers around the world.”
Founding member Qantas’ Chief Executive Officer, Vanessa Hudson, said,
“For 25 years our alliance has brought together the best carriers, lounges, frequent flyer programs and networks to benefit our shared customers. As the leading alliance in the sky, we’ll continue working with our partner airlines to ensure oneworld delivers even more value as we help to connect travellers across nearly 1,000 destinations around the globe.”
Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), added,
“oneworld's 25th anniversary marks a significant milestone in our journey towards providing exceptional travel experiences. Together, oneworld members have contributed towards shaping the landscape of global aviation, and we remain committed to driving excellence for our customers.”
Currently, oneworld’s member airlines collectively serve over 900 destinations worldwide, and offer customers access to more than 600 premium airport lounges, additional baggage allowances, fast track security at select airports, and the ability to earn and redeem miles across the alliance’s network. Additionally, oneworld is the only global alliance that provides eligible customers to First Class lounges, regardless of which member airline they are flying with. The alliance also offers two types of round-the-world fares, with flexible options based on continents visited or distance traveled.
Source: oneworld