The American Airlines- and British Airways-led Oneworld alliance hopes to complete negotiations with several possible new members by early summer.
After the failure of American and BA to secure antitrust approval for their transatlantic deal, members of the Oneworld alliance - which also include Aer Lingus, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, LanChile and Qantas - met late last month in Santiago, Chile, to discuss the alliance's next move.
The alliance says it will take on "quality carriers who would add value to Oneworld, both in terms of network and business". It declines to name potential new partners until negotiations are completed.
Oneworld also plans to tighten relationships between its existing members, by expanding codeshares, introducing joint use of facilities such as terminals and maintenance hangars, and encouraging joint purchasing deals. Recent improvements to the alliance's joint computer network will also allow easier passenger check-in, and reduce human error, by recognising passengers' names and allowing cross-check-in across the alliance.
Source: Flight International
