Well this is a turn-up for the books. Malaysian Airlines who have been buddying up with KLM recently have decided to join OneWorld instead as announced at a meeting off the current IATA Conference.
The announcement with the CEO of MAS – Tengku Azmil and the co-sponsor – Alan Joyce of Qantas, say that the airline will be ready to join within 12-18 months.
Using Kuala Lumpur as it’s hub, it makes a new hub in South East Asia – a sore point missed by OneWorld up till now (although Singapore is down the world with it’s world class Changi Hub)
For Frequent Flyers and Mileage run nuts, this can be some good news – as well as increasing Round the World Routings, MH’s own mileage programme will be shifted to OneWorld equivalents, as well as the all important lounge access rights.
What this means for the recent tie-ups with KLM is unknown – but interesting times ahead for those who wish to connect or visit places north of Singapore….