Airberlin has today become part of Oneworld, adding the second largest airline in Germany and the sixth largest in Europe to the global airline alliance. Niki, the Austrian member of the Airberlin group, joined Oneworld as an affiliate member at the same time – as the clocks struck midnight in Berlin this morning.
Both airlines are from today offering Oneworld’s services and benefits – and substantially expanding the alliance’s network in Germany, Austria and throughout Central and South Europe.
Airberlin’s addition more than triples the number of cities served by Oneworld in Germany to 25, while Niki doubles its coverage of Austria to six airports.
Airberlin Chief Executive Hartmut Mehdorn said: “Becoming a member of Oneworld is one of the most significant departures for Airberlin. It will strengthen our competitive position considerably, enabling us to offer our customers a truly global network together with our partners, who include some of the best and biggest airlines in the world, while enabling us also to tap into all the financial benefits that come from being part of a global alliance, through additional passenger feed and increased efficiency. We are very pleased and proud to be lining up to join what is clearly the world’s top quality airline grouping.”
Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of IAG, parent company of Airberlin’s Oneworld sponsor, British Airways, added: “Our aim has always been to establish Oneworld as the first choice alliance for the world’s frequent international travellers – with an unrivalled collection of quality carriers, delivering unmatched benefits to customers and to member airlines alike. That remains our focus today as the alliance adds another great airline.”
