The global airline alliance, oneworld is celebrating its 25th anniversary since its inception with four founding members on February 1, 1999.
Since that launch date, the internationally recognized airline club has flown nearly nine billion customers across the world.
The alliance was formed by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas, to give customers increased flexibility and connectivity when travelling the globe and reward frequent flyers with special benefits and privileges.
Now, 25 years on, oneworld has 13 core members in its alliance with Alaska Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan Airlines all joining over the years.
Oneworld also has a further 26 affiliate airlines and a oneworld connect partner in Fiji Airways.
And in 2024 the alliance will expand even further to 14 members when the national flag carrier Oman Air joins too.
More than 300,000 staff members work for one of the oneworld airline members and to celebrate the 25th birthday uniformed employees will wear unique pin badges which have been specially designed with a new anniversary logo.
In January 2024, the alliance also opened its very first oneworld branded lounge experience at Incheon Airport in Seoul, South Korea, to celebrates its 25th year operating.
Today, oneworld member airlines collectively serve more than 900 global destinations, offering customers access to more than 600 premium airport lounges.
Oneworld customers also receive additional baggage allowances, the ability to earn and redeem miles across its network and fast-track security lanes at select airports.
“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,” Robert Isom, American Airlines CEO said.
Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), which owns British Airways, 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.”
