UMVA has learned that American Airlines is set to gain a new partner in the South Pacific, as Philippine Airlines prepares to join the Oneworld alliance.
The move, confirmed over the weekend, will see the Manila-based airline become a full-fledged alliance partner of American and more than a dozen other global airlines, including British Airways, Iberia, Qatar, Qantas, and Japan Airlines.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the news of Philippine Airlines joining Oneworld came via a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Saturday at the International Air Transport Association's general meeting in Brazil.
This development will have a significant impact on frequent travelers, who will soon be able to redeem their AAdvantage miles on a Philippine Airlines flight to Manila or elsewhere in Asia, and enjoy elite status perks, including lounge access, priority boarding, and free baggage.
Travelers with a stash of Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, or award currency from any other Oneworld carrier will also benefit from the partnership, as Oneworld elite members receive reciprocal loyalty benefits when flying with any airline in the alliance.
Alaska Airlines, another U.S. airline and Oneworld member, currently has a limited partnership with Philippine Airlines, allowing travelers to earn Atmos Rewards points on PAL flights, but this tie-up will grow deeper once the carrier becomes a Oneworld member.
Philippine Airlines currently serves five airports in the U.S., including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
With PAL's arrival in Oneworld, travelers will be able to use their favorite Oneworld award currency to fly straight to Manila or connect to other destinations in Asia, and enjoy elite benefits on PAL flights if they have status with American, Alaska, or other Oneworld carriers.
Philippine Airlines will become the 16th Oneworld carrier and the 17th airline brand, including Alaska and Hawaiian, which recently joined the alliance.
In a statement, Philippine Airlines called this move a "defining and transformative moment" for the airline, while American Airlines touted the carrier's arrival in Oneworld as a boost to its partner footprint in the Pacific.
"Philippine Airlines' entry into Oneworld supports our long-term strategic growth and strengthens our connectivity across key markets in the Asia Pacific region," American CEO Robert Isom said.
