The oneworld airline alliance has today confirmed that two more carriers will soon be joining the group.
Two members of the LAN family of airlines, LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador will both join the global alliance as affiliate members on April 1, along with Japan Airlines, Malev Hungarian Airlines and Royal Jordanian Airlines.
Oneworld already has a strong presence in South America, thanks to the membership of LAN Peru as well as Chile-based LAN Airlines and LAN Express. British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia also serve South America and the alliance’s influence in this part of the world is continuing to grow.
The inclusion of LAN Ecuador and LAN Argentina will bring numerous benefits to the alliance, not least the addition of four new destinations in Iguazu, Comodoro Rivadavia, Rio Gallegos and El Calafate.
The primary benefit for passengers is that oneworld’s frequent fliers will be able to earn and redeem mileage awards on both new airlines.
Dragonair, a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, will also join the alliance, although this will take place later in the year. When all three airlines have joined, oneworld will serve 700 airports in nearly 150 countries. There will be an astonishing 9,000 daily departures, representing an increase of 1,000 as a result of the three new recruits.
