It looks like the oneworld alliance could pick up another airline in Africa.
The oneworld alliance is expected to be joined by RwandAir, according to the New Times. Akbar Al Baker is the chairman of the oneworld alliance and he is also the CEO of Rwand Air. Al Baker wants to grow the alliance and add more members.
It was recently announced that oneworld will have a second airline under his leadership. The two airlines already have a relationship.
The plan was described by Al Baker during his speech at the aviation summit.
“We will do everything within our ability to bring them to the standard to be ready to join as a full member or an associate member. We saw this potential in the place that is right in the centre of Africa, and the relationship they have with the state of Qatar, I found that this is the right place. This is about confidence and relationship, economic interest for both countries with each and this is what we are going to do.”
Yvonne Makolo is the CEO of Rwand Air.
“Joining oneworld will help us gradually improve our products and services and what we are offering to our passengers.”
If RwandAir joined the oneworld alliance as a full member, frequent flyers would be able to take advantage of elite perks, like lounge access, and earn and redeem mileage.
The global alliances concept seems to be less popular than it used to be. The Star Alliance has added Alaska Airlines and Royal Air Maroc in the past couple of years, and plans to add more in the future.
It's still a great feature for frequent flyers, even though there's only so much that a dozen or more airlines will have in common. I think it is great that Al Baker has been trying to add new members to the alliance.
The oneworld alliance would benefit consumers by giving them more access to Africa. The airline has just a dozen planes, two of which are Dash 8s.
I wouldn't be surprised if the airline joined oneworld as a oneworld connect member instead of a full member. Since oneworld connect only offers perks on a bilateral basis with other carriers in oneworld, it's not worth much.
When an airline joins as a full member, perks are consistent, which makes it simpler for a traveler to understand. I think the only way the economics make sense for some partners is if oneworld eliminates the "connect" concept.
If you want to learn more about the passenger experience, read my reviews of the A330 and CRJ-900.
The oneworld alliance is an exciting development. My fear is that RwandAir will join as a oneworld connect member, which will offer limited value for most, since it comes with less reciprocity than a full member.
Oneworld seems to be the only alliance with the goal of growing.
What do you think about Rwand Air?
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