oneworld network enhanced by Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines will become a full member of the oneworld group on 1 February 2013 after a successful review by Qantas, its sponsor into the alliance.

oneworld chief executive Bruce Ashby said Malaysia Airlines is an ideal candidate for oneworld.

“With its world-class reputation for customer service mirroring oneworld's own focus and its Kuala Lumpur home provides our customers with another of the world's best airports, geographically well placed between our existing hubs,” Mr Ashby added.

Once the membership commences, Malaysia Airlines' network will serve more than 60 destinations in nearly 30 countries, covered by oneworld's full and extensive range of alliance fares and sales products.

The addition of Malaysia Airlines means the oneworld global coverage will expand to some 840 destinations in 156 countries, served by approximately 9,000 departures a day that are operated by a combined fleet of some 2,500 aircraft, carrying nearly 340 million passengers a year, with annual revenues of US$ 110 billion.

To coincide with the membership, Malaysia Airlines will offer oneworld’s full range of services and benefits.

In addition, Malaysia Airlines Enrich frequent flyers will have extended privileges to oneworld member airlines, including airberlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines and some 25 affiliated airlines.

Enrich Platinum cardholders will gain Emerald status in the oneworld programme while Enrich Gold members will be equivalent to oneworld Sapphire and Enrich Silver will be oneworld Ruby.

Malaysia Airlines already participates in the round-the-world fare offered by all oneworld called Global Explorer.

Sourced: etravelblackboardasia