Malév joining oneworldTM after formally accepting an invitation to join the grouping at a ceremony today
conducted in the presence of Hungary’s Minister of Finance János Veres and Minister
of Economy and Transport János Kóka.

It follows a memorandum of understanding reached between oneworld and Malév in May
this year.

Since then, the Hungarian airline has satisfied audits by the alliance of its
quality and safety standards and a review to ensure it can deliver oneworld’s full
range of customer services and benefits.

The formal invitation to join the alliance is subject to a number of conditions,
including satisfactory progress in its turnaround plan towards profitability. The
airline must also conclude bilateral agreements with interested existing partners.

Work will now begin on connecting its IT systems to those of its new partners,
bringing key internal processes into line with oneworld requirements, training its
employees to deliver oneworld products, customer benefits and support, and
completing the other tasks needed before it can become a fully-fledged member of the
alliance.

Finnair will act as Malév’s sponsor into oneworld, working with it on these
activities.

Until the joining process is completed, expected within the next 15 months, it is
business and service as usual for both Malév and oneworld.

oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch and Finnair Chief Operating Officer Henrik
Arle were in Budapest today, representing all the existing members of oneworld, to
sign the agreement with Malév Chairman Péter Hónig and Chief Executive János
Gönci.

Hungary’s Minister of Finance János Veres said: “We want Hungary to play a central
regional role in both the air passenger and cargo markets. Malev’s experience and
accession to oneworld, and the promising privatisation of Budapest Airport, support
this objective.”

 

Minister of Economy and Transport János Kóka added: “Budapest and its Ferihegy
Airport can grow by providing good facilities. Malév joining the oneworld alliance
provides further outstanding growth opportunities. The recruitment of our national
airline to the alliance will result in even better links with the international
aviation market. Malév’s stronger position will improve Budapest’s regional role,
and not just the airline’s competitive situation, but also that of the country.”

Malév Chairman Péter Hónig said: “Joining oneworld is a crucial element of
Malév’s turnaround plan. No medium-sized airline can achieve sustainable earnings
without partners. We are very proud to have been invited to fly alongside some of
the biggest and best airlines in the world.”

oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch said: “Central and Eastern Europe is a
region where oneworld would like to broaden its presence - which Malév will do well
for us. It has an attractive network in this part of the world and an excellent hub
in Budapest. Like oneworld’s existing members, it has a reputation for high quality
customer service. Its admirable management team has set course to restore the
airline to profitability the year after next.”
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