American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia celebrate a key milestone today as fellow oneworld alliance member Finnair announces its intent to join the transatlantic joint business, established by the three airlines in October 2010.

Once Finnair joins the transatlantic joint business later this year, customers in North America and Europe will have increased choice of flights and services as well as more convenient connections to flights across the Atlantic.

As part of the joint business, Finnair will add its (AY) code to selected American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia flights between North America and Europe (EU, plus Norway and Switzerland).

American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia will add their respective (AA), (BA) and (IB) code to Finnair’s daily flights between New York and Helsinki. 

All together, the joint business will operate up to 102 daily round trips between North America and Europe, serving 42 gateways on either side of the Atlantic.

Customers will also have access to a further 163 onward connections in North America and 126 in Europe.

“Our participation in this venture will significantly increase the portfolio of available destinations to Finnair’s existing customers, as well as open up Northern Europe to a whole new network of potential travellers,” said Allister Paterson, Finnair senior vice president, commercial.

“Fare combinability between the four carriers also brings more ticket flexibility to customers, as the fares and conditions are identical between the airlines.

“A business traveller soon will be able to combine American, British Airways, Iberian and Finnair routes flexibly when flying between Europe and North America.”