MAS joins oneworld
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has officially joined oneworld, becoming the global alliance’s 12th member and its fourth in Asia Pacific.
The addition of the national carrier into oneworld will significantly boost the alliance’s network in Southeast Asia, adding 16 new destinations and one country – Brunei – to the oneworld route map. The alliance’s global network now covers 842 destinations in 156 countries, served by approximately 9,000 daily departures.
MAS’s Group CEO, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, was joined by the heads of other oneworld member airlines in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, in a press conference to mark the occasion.
“Becoming a member of oneworld is one of the most significant landmarks in Malaysia Airlines’ history,” said Yahya. “It will strengthen our competitive position considerably, enabling us to offer our customers a truly global network together with our partners who include some of the best and biggest airlines in the world. At the same time, it will enable us to benefit from all the financial benefits that come from being part of a global alliance, through additional passenger feed and the learning from best practices that it affords.”
“oneworld aims to be the first choice alliance for the world’s frequent international travellers,” oneworld CEO Bruce Ashby added. “That remains our focus today, as the alliance adds another great airline. Malaysia Airlines strengthens the alliance’s offering in the growing economic powerhouse of Southeast Asia, just as we expect oneworld to strengthen Malaysia Airlines’ competitive and financial positions.”
MAS has also unveiled the first aircraft in its fleet to be decorated in a special oneworld livery – one of its 10 latest Airbus A330-300s.
Qatar Airways and Sri Lankan Airlines are expected to be the next two oneworld members.