London, January 31 1999: American Airlines, British Airways, Canadian Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways and Qantas implement their oneworld? global alliance tomorrow (Monday, February 1).

oneworld signs have been going up in the airport terminals, shops and various other premises used by the five carriers this weekend and small versions of the logo will next week begin appearing by the doors on the 1,500 aircraft in the oneworld members’ fleets.

Bob Ayling, Chief Executive of British Airways, said: “The 220,000 employees working for oneworld airlines around the globe are ready and committed to make oneworld the leading, most customer-focused and most customer-friendly global airline alliance. This is an exciting start of a new era.”

oneworld benefits and services include:

* closer linking of their frequent flyer programmes. This will enable members of the five airlines` frequent flyer programmes to earn and redeem miles on any eligible flights and fares of the oneworld alliance airlines. Qualifying flights will also count towards frequent flyer tier status

* top tier frequent flyer cards will be re-issued with new Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby symbols, to ensure members receive the appropriate recognition and privileges to which they are accustomed no matter on which of the five airlines they are flying

* access to the five airlines` 200 plus exclusive lounges for eligible members of their frequent flyer schemes, no matter on which of the five airlines they are travelling, along with priority check-in, standby and waitlisting, and preferred seating and boarding

* smoother transfers for passengers travelling across the global networks of the five carriers

* greater support, with employees of each airline equipped to assist and care for customers travelling with any of the oneworld airlines

* greater value, through a range of round-the-world products, including the launch of oneworld Explorer fares.

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