Oneworld New Member Revealed

Alaska Airlines has joined the global airline alliance oneworld becoming its 14th member carrier.

The carrier is entering the coalition after being elected as a oneworld member designate following approval by the governing board – this comes after the alliance lost LATAM Airlines at the end of 2019 following Delta Air Lines’ purchase of 20% of the carrier.

Alaska Airlines
The SeaTac-based airline is the fifth largest operator in the United States. Alaska Airlines 

Alaska Airlines’ intention to become a member was first announced in February 2020, when it unveiled plans to form a US West Coast International Alliance with founding member American Airlines.

Brad Tilden, Alaska Airlines’ chairman and CEO, commented: “This milestone will improve connectivity and service for our guests throughout the West Coast and beyond.

“[The partnership] will open up a tremendous international network for our business and leisure travellers when they’re ready to start flying overseas again, in addition to greater connectivity around the US through our network for international visitors. We’re eager to build deeper ties with the six oneworld members we already cooperate with and looking forward to working with new partners that are some of the best airlines in the world,” Tilden added.

American Airlines
The carrier plans to form a US West Coast International Alliance with founding member American Airlines. Wikimedia Commons/BriYYZ

Alaska Airlines already codeshares with oneworld members American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines and Qantas. It also works with oneworld connect partner Fiji Airways.

The joining of the operator will add 34 new destinations to the alliances network, across North America growing the list to a total of more than 1,000 destinations in 170 countries. Based in Seattle, Alaska Airlines and its regional partners serve more than 115 destinations in North America. It operates hubs in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland (Oregon) and Anchorage.

Alan Joyce, oneworld governing board chairman and Qantas Group CEO, added: “With its strong position in the US West Coast and its partnership with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines will be a great asset to oneworld, positioning us to deliver even more value to our member airlines and customers.”

Alaska Air Group maintains an operational fleet of 319 aircraft, comprising the Airbus A320 family, Boeing 737, Embraer 175 and Bombardier Q400.