Fiji Airways to become full oneworld member and adpot AAdvantage program

[dylarr]

Just saw this post on Instagram. It has now been confirmed that Fiji Airways will become oneworld's 15th full member, levelling up from oneworld connect. Full transition to be completed within the next 12 months. Additionally, domestic subsidiary Fiji Link will become a oneworld member affiliate, meaning oneworld benefits extend to flights operated by Fiji Link (same as how it works for QantasLink today).

As a Qantas status holder, this is great news. It will obviously unlock the QF and FJ lounges when travelling on an FJ coded flights, along with other benefits and of course redemptions.

The Fiji Airways media release is available here:

https://www.fijiairways.com/en-au/media-centre/Fiji-Airways-announced-as-15th-full-member-airline-of-oneworld/

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[RSVKanga]

Good news. I am aware of minor rifts between QF and FJ, but an airline partly owned by QF is finally coming into the alliance, and it’s a small but important boost to QF’s security in the alliance which is threatened by QR’s internal campaign against QF in oneworld. QF and FJ also have a codeshare agreement in place which can be expanded.

The next step should be QF increasing its stake in FJ (I think it’s only 16%?), and using their privilege as a founding member to veto WY’s application for OW. WY is nothing more than the sidekick of QR.

It’s looking good for Qantas as they are on track to have four US/pacific partners (FJ, AA, AS and HA) through oneworld.

 

[elanshin]

Good news. I am aware of minor rifts between QF and FJ, but an airline partly owned by QF is finally coming into the alliance, and it’s a small but important boost to QF’s security in the alliance which is threatened by QR’s internal campaign against QF in oneworld. QF and FJ also have a codeshare agreement in place which can be expanded.

The next step should be QF increasing its stake in FJ (I think it’s only 16%?), and using their privilege as a founding member to veto WY’s application for OW. WY is nothing more than the sidekick of QR.

It’s looking good for Qantas as they are on track to have four US/pacific partners (FJ, AA, AS and HA) through oneworld.

You know, you don't fix problems with other parties by escalation. What you suggest would lead to OW just completely disintegrating over time.

I hate to break it to you, but right NOW one of Qantas' big advantages is being part of OW and having so many top tier partners while they're a little behind in the global game.

Rather than trying to antagonise QR, perhaps you could also consider ways that QF and QR can mend relationships. They don't have to be buddy buddy but you can still have a professional relationship that best serves customers.

 

[dylarr]

The next step should be QF increasing its stake in FJ (I think it’s only 16%?)

QF’s stake in FJ is actually quite significant at 46% (according to Wikipedia). 52% is held by the Government of Fiji and the remaining 2% by the governments of other Pacific nations.

 

[aaa99]

Just saw this post on Instagram. It has now been confirmed that Fiji Airways will become oneworld's 15th full member, levelling up from oneworld connect. Full transition to be completed within the next 12 months.

As a Qantas status holder, this is great news. It will obviously unlock the QF and FJ lounges when travelling on an FJ coded flights, along with other benefits and of course redemptions.

The Fiji Airways media release is available here:

https://www.fijiairways.com/en-au/media-centre/Fiji-Airways-announced-as-15th-full-member-airline-of-oneworld/

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

Is that 15 including Oman Air?

 

[dylarr]

Is that 15 including Oman Air?

Yes. According to the press release Oman Air will be the 14th:

Later this year, Oman Air will become the 14th member airline of the alliance, joining Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines.

 

[pauly7]

QF’s stake in FJ is actually quite significant at 46% (according to Wikipedia). 52% is held by the Government of Fiji and the remaining 2% by the governments of other Pacific nations.

I thought there was a capital raise and dilution of shareholders though….

 

[dylarr]

I thought there was a capital raise and dilution of shareholders though….

Oh you’re right going off this recent AFR article. Goes to show exactly why you shouldn’t take Wikipedia as gospel!

This tiny airline wants to give the big guys a run for their money

Fiji is home to fewer than 1 million people, but its flag carrier is taking the charge to Qantas with an elaborate dining experience for long-haul travellers.

www.afr.com

 

[RSVKanga]

QF’s stake in FJ is actually quite significant at 46% (according to Wikipedia). 52% is held by the Government of Fiji and the remaining 2% by the governments of other Pacific nations.

I think that’s old information. A lot of capital was raised during the pandemic and QF’s stake in Fiji Airways got diluted to around 16%.

What you suggest would lead to OW just completely disintegrating over time.

Why? FJ is only a small airline which QF owns a stake in, compared to QR owning stakes in the biggest OW airlines (CX, BA, IB and possibly AY/AA). FJ joining is a small but important strengthening of QF’s security in OW when they’re a bit isolated at this present movement. If that’s corporate escalation, then so be it. Sometimes, internal fights are good. Not everything in this world is sunshine and rainbows.

I hate to break it to you, but right NOW one of Qantas' big advantages is being part of OW and having so many top tier partners while they're a little behind in the global game.

When did I say that QF’s OW membership was bad? It’s a great asset to the QF network and brand as a whole, and it should continue to be. I’m only worried about whether QF’s security in OW is future-proof due the coercion and aggression displayed by QR against QF since 2018. QF should be proud that they’re a founding member of the alliance, and not be afraid to use the perks available to them which is to veto new member applicants. The only reason WY is joining OW is because of their extremely close relationship with QR, and WY being in OW isn’t in QF’s interests. But that’s a matter for another thread.

consider ways that QF and QR can mend relationships.

It’s quite clear that QR will demand ridiculous concessions from QF for any “partnership”. Demands that I can think of are axing the EK partnership, axe PER-LHR once Sunrise launches and limit Sunrise flights all together. As said before, world isn’t all unicorns and rainbows, and QF and QR fighting, in my opinion, is a good thing.

 

[SeatBackForward]

oneworld around the pacific is taking it up a notch with the more recent additions of Alaska, Hawaiian and now Fiji. Surely means that Star Alliance might want to bolster its presence in the region via someone like...say...VA ?

 

[RSVKanga]

oneworld around the pacific is taking it up a notch with the more recent additions of Alaska, Hawaiian and now Fiji. Surely means that Star Alliance might want to bolster its presence in the region via someone like...say...VA ?

At the present moment, Star Alliance actually has a larger Pacific presence than OW as FJ and HA haven’t formerly joined yet.

OW has QF, CX, JL, AS, AA (5 airlines) in the Pacific area. FJ and HA yet to join.

Star has NZ, CA, OZ, ANA, AC, UA (6 airlines)



And I think SkyTeam would have given up by now.

 

[Mwenenzi]

OW media--> oneworld Says “Bula” To Fiji Airways As Its 15th Member

 

[Mwenenzi]

off topic

It’s quite clear that QR will demand ridiculous concessions from QF for any “partnership”. Demands that I can think of are axing the EK partnership, axe PER-LHR once Sunrise launches and limit Sunrise flights all together. As said before, world isn’t all unicorns and rainbows, and QF and QR fighting, in my opinion, is a good thing.

Credible verifiable evidence of your claim?
AA has EY as a ff partner.
EK are a ffp partners with several OW airlines. And long before Qatar joined OW.

Good news. I am aware of minor rifts between QF and FJ, but an airline partly owned by QF is finally coming into the alliance, and it’s a small but important boost to QF’s security in the alliance which is threatened by QR’s internal campaign against QF in oneworld.

Credible verifiable evidence of your claim?

 

[drron]

At the present moment, Star Alliance actually has a larger Pacific presence than OW as FJ and HA haven’t formerly joined yet.

OW has QF, CX, JL, AS, AA (5 airlines) in the Pacific area. FJ and HA yet to join.

Star has NZ, CA, OZ, ANA, AC, UA (6 airlines)



And I think SkyTeam would have given up by now.

So by the middle of next year OW will have 7 to Stars 6. HA is due to merge with AS by mid 25 . Both airlines will continue as individual airlines.

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/hawaiian-airlines-alaska-airlines-oneworld

 

[dajop]

At the present moment, Star Alliance actually has a larger Pacific presence than OW as FJ and HA haven’t formerly joined yet.

OW has QF, CX, JL, AS, AA (5 airlines) in the Pacific area. FJ and HA yet to join.

Star has NZ, CA, OZ, ANA, AC, UA (6 airlines)



And I think SkyTeam would have given up by now.

How do you define Pacific presence? Does an airline flying NRT-LAX count has having a pacific presence? What about TPE-SFO/LAX.?

 

[elanshin]

At the present moment, Star Alliance actually has a larger Pacific presence than OW as FJ and HA haven’t formerly joined yet.

OW has QF, CX, JL, AS, AA (5 airlines) in the Pacific area. FJ and HA yet to join.

Star has NZ, CA, OZ, ANA, AC, UA (6 airlines)

OZ will leave here soon. You also forgot SQ.

And I think SkyTeam would have given up by now.

CI, DL, MU, AM, MF, KE, VN

Keeping in mind DL, UA are big players in this space. The Chinese airlines can all ramp up hard too but the current US - China bilateral is a massive block on direct Transpacific between the two.

 

[SYD]

Sticking to the main topic, what does “immediately” start transition and full membership in 12mths actually mean?

Do we think there’ll be some “immediate” benefit improvements for some OW airlines whilst the rest come onboard when the transition is complete?

For example, QF and the other OW Connect sponsor airlines could probably flick a switch today for lounge access.

 

[justinbrett]

Both airlines will continue as individual airlines.

Well, one airline and two brands, according to the AS CEO.

They’re probably going to be more integrated than QF & JQ.

 

[justinbrett]

Good news. I am aware of minor rifts between QF and FJ, but an airline partly owned by QF is finally coming into the alliance, and it’s a small but important boost to QF’s security in the alliance which is threatened by QR’s internal campaign against QF in oneworld. QF and FJ also have a codeshare agreement in place which can be expanded.

The next step should be QF increasing its stake in FJ (I think it’s only 16%?), and using their privilege as a founding member to veto WY’s application for OW. WY is nothing more than the sidekick of QR.

It’s looking good for Qantas as they are on track to have four US/pacific partners (FJ, AA, AS and HA) through oneworld.

The "minor rifts" were not between the airlines, it was QF and the Fijian government that did not allow QF to take its share of board seats unless the members were Fijian nationals.

The two airlines actually work pretty well together.

I don't support QF getting a greater share of FJ - we've seen that movie before, it used to be a full fledged subsidiary. Made sense back in the days when trans Pacific routes required stops, but those days are over. It's great QF has/will have friendly alliance airlines in the region including AS, HA and FJ but nothing should jeopardise the crucial JV with AA, and if QF were to get to close to the others that very well could be the end of it when it's up for renewal.

I have no problems with WY joining oneworld, the more the merrier. At the moment although QF and QR are competitors, I'm still given the full OWE treatment when and if I chose to fly QR. I also get that on EK. That's a great position to be in as a customer.

 

[Himeno]

Sticking to the main topic, what does “immediately” start transition and full membership in 12mths actually mean?

Do we think there’ll be some “immediate” benefit improvements for some OW airlines whilst the rest come onboard when the transition is complete?

For example, QF and the other OW Connect sponsor airlines could probably flick a switch today for lounge access.

They need to link their computer systems with the other members for bookings, frequent flyer programs, ticketing, interlining, etc. Get added to the marketing of oneworld and the member airlines, add the airline to the oneworld ticket products (eg xONEx), update signage with oneworld logos/Priority branding, position staff into the oneworld Global Support offices in the oneworld hub ports that they operate to and train staff on the changes. They'll already have some of this on some level, at least with the current OW Connect partners (BA, CX, QF and AA).

The fact that they've already done some of the work required under the OW Connect program means that it won't take as long to complete the process as it otherwise would. It normally takes an airline 18-36 months to join an alliance from. FJ will be online in less then 12 months because they have already done some of the work.

I would expect that the current oneworld Connect arrangements will continue until they become a full member.