Fiji Airways to become full oneworld member and adpot AAdvantage program

[SYD]

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.

Yep, I appreciate those hoops and jumps. The branding is basically there and yes, the non OW Connect sponsors / partners may require more integration and training.

But quite specifically, tidying up the lounge access in SYD, MEL, BNE, AKL, SIN, HKG and LAX as a starter (with QF, AA and CX) shouldn‘t be the long pole in the tent.

 

[dajop]

OZ will leave here soon. You also forgot SQ.

And also forgot BR. Nevertheless, it really depends on which part of the Pacific.

This will strengthen oneworld's presence in the SW Pacific, with an addition of 6? destinations to the oneworld network
.
It was also double the number of international destinations reachable non-stop from ADL on oneworld

 

[Mwenenzi]

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.

FJ have been an allowable airline for OW *GLOB* RTW tickets for some years. To me little change to add *ONE* routes. Would not expect any rule changes
FJ were ff partners of some OW airlines before OW Connect (QF AA AS). Two of those use SABRE GDS, so will be some existing IT integration.

https://www.fijiairways.com/en-nz/book/partner-airlines/

Fiji Airways - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Fiji Airways code shares with Air Vanuatu, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Jetstar, Jetstar Asia, Qantas, Samoa Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Solomon Airlines.

Finally, Fiji Airways has been a Connect Member of oneworld since 5 December 2018.

In June 2024, Oneworld and Fiji Airways announced that Fiji Airways would become the alliance's 15th full member of the alliance with the transition set to begin immediately and be complete within 12 months.[20]

 

[Sprucegoose]

Great news! I can now plan my trip to the States in September with a Fiji stopover!

 

[Mwenenzi]

Great news! I can now plan my trip to the States in September with a Fiji stopover!

Except that it will ~12 months before the formally join as a full OW member.
Until then just as they are now as a QF ff partner.

 

[SYD]

Some suggestions here that as part of the full integration, FJ will rollout a new loyalty program or actually adopt and become part of another. QFF could be one option, as suggested here - Avios (QR, BA etc). That will delight many but make some froth at the mouth….

Fiji Airways’ unique approach to its new loyalty program

The airline teases “a big announcement soon in the loyalty program space.”

www.executivetraveller.com

 

[PERLHR]

Well I hope they simply join the Avios currency like all good One World members have or are doing....,

 

[justinbrett]

Maybe they'll go with Velocity

Avios don't make a lot of sense to me, as Avios airline customers couldn't possibly make up a significant proportion of FJ pax being on the other side of the globe.

I would say if they don't go it alone, it would be a program in the Asia Pacific. Either QF or AS would be my pick, the latter is probably my tip given AS will be the program for HA within a year or so. But then being a full oneworld member, really no reason not to go it alone, that's the whole point of being in an alliance.

 

[PERLHR]

Maybe they'll go with Velocity

Avios don't make a lot of sense to me, as Avios airline customers couldn't possibly make up a significant proportion of FJ pax being on the other side of the globe.

Now velocity....mmmm...

Oh I dunno. Avios collectors are a strange bunch. We do a lot no matter where in the world. ,

 

[RSVKanga]

Either QF or AS would be my pick, the latter is probably my tip given AS will be the program for HA within a year or so. But then being a full oneworld member, really no reason not to go it alone,

It depends, does FJ get more revenue from
its Australian services or American services? Is it Australians or Americans that fly FJ and visit Fiji more?

 

[SYD]

Maybe they'll go with Velocity

Avios don't make a lot of sense to me, as Avios airline customers couldn't possibly make up a significant proportion of FJ pax being on the other side of the globe.

I would say if they don't go it alone, it would be a program in the Asia Pacific. Either QF or AS would be my pick, the latter is probably my tip given AS will be the program for HA within a year or so. But then being a full oneworld member, really no reason not to go it alone, that's the whole point of being in an alliance.

BA is one of the FJ sponsors - so not entirely out of the realms of possibilities.

QFF is probably the front runner.

CX / Asia Miles - could be a bit too political.

AA is not off the cards and yeah, I can see the synergies with HA but “Alaska” and Fiji would be curious bed follows. Hot and cold?

 

[jase05]

Maybe they'll go with Velocity

Avios don't make a lot of sense to me, as Avios airline customers couldn't possibly make up a significant proportion of FJ pax being on the other side of the globe.

I would say if they don't go it alone, it would be a program in the Asia Pacific. Either QF or AS would be my pick, the latter is probably my tip given AS will be the program for HA within a year or so. But then being a full oneworld member, really no reason not to go it alone, that's the whole point of being in an alliance.

QF makes the most sense IMO.
I don’t think Avios was a serious suggestion, just someone being mischievous

 

[justinbrett]

Now velocity....mmmm...

Oh I dunno. Avios collectors are a strange bunch. We do a lot no matter where in the world. ,

Europe is really a tiny portion of the market, and QR doesn't even fly to NAN.

I really can't see the point in picking Avios, and even then it's not truly one program, if FJ had Avios they'd still have to run a FJ Avios program.



Source

AA is not off the cards and yeah, I can see the synergies with HA but “Alaska” and Fiji would be curious bed follows. Hot and cold?

Quite complimentary I think. Could even see a AS/HA/FJ JV on the Pacific, competing with QF/AA and VA/UA (or NZ/NA for NZ).
*and DL/ZL if they even count!

 

[SYD]

Quite complimentary I think. Could even see a AS/HA/FJ JV on the Pacific, competing with QF/AA and VA/UA (or NZ/NA for NZ).
*and DL/ZL if they even count!

Yes, as I said about the “synergies”. It was a comment on the marketing of Fiji and Alaska but as I type, well I guess we’ve been thorough this already with AS and HA!

Now, of course AS is really an American Pacific NW airline and less actually Alaska centric.

 

[RSVKanga]

Quite complimentary I think. Could even see a AS/HA/FJ JV on the Pacific, competing with QF/AA and VA/UA (or NZ/NA for NZ).

The image you have included above in your post doesn’t support this statement.

If Australia accounts for almost 50% of total visitor arrivals to Fiji (does that include transit?) then QFF is the only sensible and logical choice. No point in being FJ and obliterating the likely preference of the majority of your customer base (Australians) by picking an unfamiliar FF program like AS.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I would say if they don't go it alone, it would be a program in the Asia Pacific.

If Rex can do it, then anyone can.

 

[justinbrett]

The image you have included above in your post doesn’t support this statement.

If Australia accounts for almost 50% of total visitor arrivals to Fiji (does that include transit?) then QFF is the only sensible and logical choice. No point in being FJ and obliterating the likely preference of the majority of your customer base (Australians) by picking an unfamiliar FF program like AS.

I tipped QF as #2, however I have a suspicion QF won't want to share. It's a bit like Scotland wanting to keep the Pound after leaving the UK, and the UK said no. You're effectively letting another central bank into the monetary union, whereas QF would want complete control. Unless FJ is relegated to the status of a ground partner, where they pay QF for each point issued.

The AS program will start to get more traction in Australia once it extends to HA.

Alternatively perhaps QF, AA, AS, HA, and FJ could unite and start their own rival cartel.

 

[Sprucegoose]

A question to all you good, knowledgeable folks: How many airlines have used another's FFP?

 

[SYD]

A question to all you good, knowledgeable folks: How many airlines have used another's FFP?

Aircalin uses Flying Blue.

Post automatically merged: Jun 13, 2024

Alternatively perhaps QF, AA, AS, HA, and FJ could unite and start their own rival cartel.

Quick, let’s pick a name!

 

[Sprucegoose]

Aircalin used Flying Blue.

Didn't they only have one plane, or am I confused by another mob that collapsed?