Alaska Airlines officially joins oneworld alliance

Marking a milestone in its 89-year history, Alaska Airlines has celebrated its first day as a member of oneworld.

The carrier becomes the 14th full member of the global alliance, just eight months after receiving a formal invitation from oneworld in July.

“Joining oneworld is joining a family of the best airlines in the world,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska chief executive.

“Being a part of the alliance allows us to provide fantastic global connectivity, a seamless travel experience and more valuable loyalty offerings for our guests.

“This alliance transforms Alaska into a truly global airline, connecting our strong West Coast network and destinations across North America with the worldwide reach of our oneworld partners.”

Also Read: Voting opens for World Travel Awards 2021

With safety protocols in place due to the pandemic, Alaska and oneworld hosted a virtual celebration and news conference today in Seattle, the airline’s hometown.

“With Alaska Airlines now part of oneworld, we are excited to offer to customers even more destinations and flights; strengthened by Alaska’s leading network on the United States West Coast,” said oneworld chief executive, Rob Gurney; who joined Minicucci in Seattle for the event.

“For oneworld top-tier customers, the joining of Alaska will provide even more opportunities; for their status to be recognised; as we look forward to a recovery in international travel.”

For Alaska as well as its guests, oneworld provides a global network of flights to as many as 1,000 destinations; across more than 170 countries as well as territories.

With its membership in the alliance, Alaska will add seven new airline partners; and enhance its six existing partnerships with oneworld members.