[Anonymous]

[starflyer]

Over on Flight Global:

“German carrier Air Berlin is intending to join the Oneworld alliance, and has reached a preliminary agreement on membership.

Air Berlin’s bid is being sponsored by British Airways. It has also entered codeshare pacts with Oneworld’s American Airlines and Finnair.

The German carrier says it has agreed on “key aspects” of its prospective accession to Oneworld and “will work towards completing a full membership agreement”.

“Membership in Oneworld would strengthen Air Berlin’s competitive position and enable it to participate in the alliance’s revenue-enhancement and cost-reduction activities,” it adds.

Air Berlin’s tie-up with American will allow it to offer codeshare flights to 15 additional US destinations, plus two in the Bahamas. The Finnair partnership will provide codeshare access on routes to points in Europe and Asia.

Germany’s main carrier, Lufthansa, is a central member of the rival Star Alliance.”

In my view a slightly odd addition to Oneworld. Do low cost airlines really fit into the alliance? Or has Air Berlin moved now completely away from the low cost model?

[Potakas]

Air Berlin Is probably better than BMI which has been now pretty much a low cost carrie ( you have to buy drinks and refreshments).

There is already a Topic here:

http://www.businesstraveller.com/discussion/topic/Air-Berlin-oneworld-Alliance-Membership-Announced

Regards

Potakas

[PsyDtoBe]

I don’t think they are a low cost carrier, since they offer free meal and beverages and loyalty program, as stated by Business Traveller. I personally think it is a good additional for Oneworld alliance, given their strong position in one of the most important business hub in the world, Germany, not to mention their affiliate Niki of Austria and their strong presence in Zurich, which mean 3 new countries are now Oneworld hubs. 🙂

[Author]

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