Skift Take
Oneworld is the smallest of global airline alliances so it needs to be flexible in allowing airlines like Qantas to form strategic relationships outside the group to foster growth in the long run.
The head of British Airways’ parent said future members of Europe’s third-largest airline group are welcome to seek deals outside the Oneworld global marketing pact it spearheads.
The comments from Willie Walsh, chief executive of International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, IAG.LN -2.56% highlight the increasingly fluid nature of the global alliances, as well as a split among the largest airlines over the rapid growth of Emirates and its fellow Gulf carriers, Qatar Airways and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways.
American and Qantas both plan to remain in Oneworld, but they are also pursuing deals to pool passengers and frequent-flier programs with Emirates.
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Tags: alliances, american airlines, emirates air, oneworld, qantas