Oneworld has announced that Sri Lankan Airlines will become a member of the airline alliance later next year, joining other notable carriers such as Cathay Pacific (CX), Japan Airlines, British Airways and Qantas. In fact, CX is Sri Lankan’s sponsor, and will support the airline through its alliance implementation programme.
Sri Lankan already maintains a code-sharing partnership with another Oneworld member Malaysia Airlines – and has also announced similar agreements with Royal Jordanian and S7 Airlines.
The flag carrier of Sri Lanka has seen a significant growth ever since peace returned to its home country three years ago, and now operates a fleet of 21 aircraft from its Colombo base.
It flies to 34 destinations in 22 countries across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, including Oneworld hubs of Hong Kong, London Heathrow, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo Narita.
Sri Lankan’s entry into Oneworld will bring three new destinations to the network: Kochi, Tiruchirappalli and Thiruvananthapuram, all in Southern India will expand the alliance’s global coverage to 860 destinations in more than 150 countries.
“Joining the alliance will help put SriLankan more firmly on the global aviation map and vastly improve Sri Lanka’s connections with the rest of the world, with all that means for our country’s vital tourism industry,” said Sri Lankan Airlines chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe.
The entry also means that customers of Sri Lankan’s frequent flyer programme FlySmiLes will be able to earn and redeem awards when flying with any of Oneword’s other carriers. In addition, top-tier members will be able to use any of the group’s 550 plus airport lounges.
Similarly, the 120 million frequent flyer members of Oneworld’s established airlines will be able to earn and redeem rewards when flying on Sri Lankan's flights.
Other new recruits of the Oneworld include Qatar Airways (see here), and TAM Airlines (see here).
For more information, visit www.oneworld.com
Clement Huang
