Malaysia Airlines (MAS) begins its first day today as the latest member of the Oneworld alliance.
The carrier adds 16 new destinations and one entirely new country – Brunei – to the Oneworld network, strengthening the alliance's connectivity between many key Asian business cities. These additions now bring Oneworld's global coverage to 842 destinations in 156 countries.
Since accepting its invitation to join in June 2011, MAS has expanded its code-sharing relationships with four Oneworld partners – Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines (see here) and Royal Jordanian.
Qatar Airways and Sri Lankan Airways are next on the list of airlines slated to join the alliance (see story here and here).
In addition, Oneworld has taken the opportunity to coincide celebrations with the addition of two new top tier benefits. From February 1 Oneworld Emerald status members will be entitled to an extra checked luggage allowance when travelling on any Oneworld airline, above the standard limit for the cabin class they are travelling in.
This means passengers will benefit from either one additional item where the piece concept applies, or an extra 20kg where a weight policy is used.
In addition Emerald members will now be able to use fast track security lanes “when flying from select key airports worldwide on select Oneworld member airlines”.
For more information visit oneworld.com.
Alex Andersson
