Malaysia national carrier became the newest member of the global alliance oneworld on February 1st. Its membership finally provide to the alliance its missing link in Southeast Asia.
KUALA LUMPUR- It could not have been a best way for Malaysia Airlines to celebrate its 40th anniversary than to become a member of the oneworld alliance. In a lavish ceremony hosted in Kuala Lumpur on January 31, the carrier unveiled its first aircraft Airbus A330 repainted in the colours of oneworld and standing next to its newest flagship the Airbus A380.
“With Malaysia Airlines, we add another quality airline which fully qualifies to our objective of serving the premium frequent traveller all across the globe. And it is our first airline in Southeast Asia and the second carrier of our grouping also to fly the Airbus A380”, said Bruce Ashby, Oneworld CEO. “ Our aircraft looks so nice in the oneworld livery. I promised that more will follow”, added in a joke Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Executive Ahmad Jauhari Yahya.
For Malaysia Airlines, joining oneworld completes the latest phase of its repositioning plan. Becoming part of the world’s premier global airline alliance will strengthen its competitiveness, enabling it to offer customers an unrivalled alliance global network served by partners including some of the best and biggest airlines in the world.
Customers benefit in return from expanded global network as the airline currently covers over 60 destinations in almost 30 countries. New to the oneworld map are 16 destinations including a new country, Brunei. The integration of MAS raises oneworld’s global coverage to 842 destinations in 156 countries, served by some 9,000 departures a day operated by a combined fleet of some 2,500 aircraft. The All the members of the alliance carry together nearly 340 million passengers a year, with annual revenues of US$ 110 billion.
“From midnight on February 1st, we start to upgrade all of our facilities such as counters and lounges with oneworld logos.Kuala Lumpur will then effectively be the newest oneworld’s hub in its network and the gateway of the alliance in Southeast Asia”, said MAS CEO, who however refused to unveil the ampint of money which was necessary for its integration to the alliance.
Kuala Lumpur hub is for now served by three carriers beside home airline Malaysia Airlines: Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and Royal Jordanian. Asked if it could eventually lead to the arrival of further carriers of the alliance, there was no clear answer from any of the other oneworld members. British Airways has been tipped to be one of the most likely to be back in Malaysia –for historical reason but nothing has been confirmed so far.
Even Finnish national carrier Finnair is unlikely to be seen soon at KLIA. “We only fly to destinations which does not mobilize an aircraft for more than 24 hours for a return flight out of Helsinki. And KL is already off the limit,” indicated Finnair Vice-President, Commercial Partnerships, Hannu Sundberg. Until next year, Qatar Airways and Sri Lankan will boost to six the total number of oneworld’s alliance members at KLIA as they are poised to join.
Meanwhile, the integration of Malaysia Airlines to the global alliance is bringing new benefits for customers: the alliance launched a oneworld “Visit Malaysia Pass” to encourage tourism throughout Malaysia. Double miles promotion for frequent flyers to celebrate will also be offered until April 15 while members of MAS Enrich Program can now enjoy the same benefits on all FFP of oneworld members and vice-versa. All Gold and Platinum members of Enrich can now use the 550 airport lounges worldwide.
Among the new benefits unveiled in Kuala Lumpur, Emerald members of the frequent flyer will benefit from extra additional weight of 20 kg when travelling and will benefit from fast lane premium immigration services at major airports.
By early next year, oneworld will add another two members – Qatar Airways and Sri Lankan Airlines. The alliance network will reach 860 destinations in 159 countries. “With Sri Lankan, we will be the first global alliance to add a carrier from the Indian subcontinent. Then, although we continue to discuss for further memberships, there is no plan to add more members for a while”, predicted oneworld CEO Bruce Ashby.
oneworld is an alliance of the world’s leading airlines committed to providing the highest level of service and convenience to frequent international travellers. oneworld airlines include airberlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian and S7 Airlines, and around 30 affiliates.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
