Fiji Airways Joins oneworld Connect

The oneworld Connect platform gives airlines a new way to join the alliance to expand the reach into specific regions. New connect members are required to have a minimum of three existing members as sponsors.

Fiji Airways is sponsored by all four of oneworld’s original founding members – American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas.  This airline makes a lot of sense as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qantas already code-share and have frequent flyer links with Fiji Airways, In addition, British Airways and Fiji Airways are currently discussing areas for potential bilateral cooperation.

oneworld CEO Rob Gurney states: “oneworld’s current network of more than 1,000 destinations in 150 plus territories offers far-reaching global coverage, but there are still some regions where we would like to strengthen our presence further.  With fewer potential new candidates available to recruit based on our established membership criteria, oneworldconnect enables us to link up with other airlines whose networks are relevant to a subset of our members, who cannot meet oneworld’s full membership requirements at this stage or who are not interested in full membership at present.

“This enables us and them to offer our customers more services and benefits across an even wider network and strengthen our relationship going forward, with a streamlined and rapid path to full membership later on where it makes sense for all parties.”

Benefits to the customers can be seen in the chart below.

It’s an exciting time for the alliance.

by Elizabeth Atkinson