Paul Lewis/NEW YORK
The oneworld alliance is making Japan Airlines (JAL) its next priority in cementing a global network, while simultaneously considering throwing a collective financial lifeline to founding member Canadian Airlines.
Oneworld admitted Aer Lingus as its ninth partner during a gathering of oneworld chief executives in New York on 2 December. With the addition of LanChile, the alliance will expand to around 1,960 aircraft serving 655 destinations. Attention now turns to JAL, which is expected to make a final decision on joining by March.
"JAL is at an advanced stage of considering its position," says Qantas' chief executive, James Strong. Japan and further connections to Asia, Europe and North America are critical to oneworld, given All Nippon Airways' recent admission to Star. A JAL decision will clear the way for other potential regional partners to join. "I don't think it would be the final member in Asia. We're considering other areas but it's a question of sequencing," says Strong.
It is also seeking to incorporate China, possibly through Dragon- air. "They would be welcome," says Peter Buecking, Cathay Pacific Airways' sales and marketing director, but adds: "You've got to offer benefits equal to those offered by other partners."
Dragonair, and the possible inclusion of regional carriers such as Central America's Grupo Taca, which do not have the resources or interest in full participation, has opened the issue of a tiered membership. On the agenda in New York was Canadian's oneworld future, which is threatened by a takeover bid by rival Star alliance member Air Canada. The airline, has been given a deadline of December 7 to accept the offer.
Source: Flight International
