oneworld ups Africa in Apr

THE oneworld airline alliance will significantly increase its presence in northern Africa effective 01 Apr, with the formal addition of Moroccan flag carrier Royal Air Maroc.

The airline has been undergoing a 15-month implementation program since it became a member-elect (TD 06 Dec 2018).

Royal Air Maroc will add 39 new destinations in 23 countries to the oneworld network, with its Casablanca hub connected to over 100 destinations including oneworld hubs at Amman, Doha, London Heathrow, Madrid, Miami, Moscow and New York.

From the start of Apr oneworld frequent flyers will enjoy the full range of alliance benefits and services when flying Royal Air Maroc, while the one million-plus members of the carrier’s Safar loyalty program will be able to earn and redeem awards on all oneworld members.

Oneworld Chief Executive Officer Rob Gurney said the “quality, service and global network offered by Royal Air Maroc will position oneworld as the preferred alliance in Africa, where Casablanca is a leading global financial centre”.

Royal Air Maroc, which already codeshares with several oneworld member carriers including American Airlines, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian and S7 Airlines, is the first new full member of the alliance to be added since 2014.

The airline’s regional subsidiary, Royal Air Maroc Express, will also become a oneworld affiliate, and flights operated by the carrier will be available as part of the oneworld Explorer and Global Explorer fares from 01 Apr.

Other recent oneworld developments include the announcement of an alliance-branded lounge in Moscow (TD 20 Dec 2019), as well as the launch of a “fresh brand positioning”.