Alaska Airlines will officially join the oneworld alliance, becoming the group’s 14th member airline “around the end of the year”.
The Seattle-based carrier has long looked to join the partnership, stating in February that it plans to join the alliance in summer 2021.
“We’re excited to become a member of oneworld, the industry’s premier alliance, and honoured to receive this invitation. This milestone will improve connectivity and service for our guests throughout the west coast and beyond,” said Brad Tilden, Alaska Airlines chairman and CEO.
Tilden adds that the grouping will open up an international network for business and leisure passengers travelling with Alaska “in addition to greater connectivity around the US”.
“We’re eager to build deeper ties with the six oneworld members we already cooperate with, and looking forward to working with new partners that are some of the best airlines in the world,” he added.
One of these members is oneworld founding member American Airlines, who entered into a US West Coast International Alliance with Alaska in February.
Wholly-owned regional subsidiary Horizon Air, as well as its regional partner SkyWest Airlines, are also slated to join on as oneworld affiliate members at the same time.
While the airline has long been vocal about its plans to join the oneworld grouping, the alliance has so far held off on extending a formal invitation.
However, a recent approval from the airline alliance’s governing board paved the way for Alaska to join, allowing travellers to share points across airlines and access up to 650 lounges worldwide.
