Oneworld has announced that Fiji Airways will become the 15th member of the airline alliance. This follows on from the last 5 years as a oneworld connect member,
While no date has been announced, oneworld says the “transition to full membership will commence immediately and will be completed within the next 12 months.”
Based on that, expect sometime in 2025. The fact that oneworld is referring to Fiji Airways as the 15th member says something about the timeline. The alliance currently has 13 members, with Oman Air slated to become member number 14.
Upgrade from oneworld connect
As noted, Fiji Airways is currently a oneworld connect member. While that has provided some benefits, becoming a full alliance member steps it up a notch.
Once it enters the ranks of a full oneworld member airline, Fiji Airways will provide oneworld members a range of benefits. For Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers this includes
- earning and redeeming miles,
- earning status points / credits,
- priority check-in and boarding and
- lounge access.
It works the other way as well. Fiji Airways’ top tier customers will be able to gain access to all oneworld priority benefits.
This should tidy up things and make things clearer for members. For example, at the moment if you leave Sydney and Melbourne on a Fiji Airways flight, the Business lounge is usually as good as it gets. Once Fiji Airways becomes a full member, Qantas Platinum frequent flyers should be able to access the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney and Melbourne.
According to Andre Viljoen, the Managing Director, and CEO of Fiji Airways:
“I am extremely proud to announce our full membership in the award-winning oneworld alliance, marking a significant step in our commitment to providing unparalleled service and connectivity. As a full member airline, we are excited to enhance the travel experience for oneworld alliance frequent flyers, offering greater accessibility to Fiji and the South Pacific, and ensuring seamless connections and memorable journeys for Fiji Airways customers across the alliance network.”
