Fiji Airways to become a full Oneworld member

Fiji Airways will become a full member of the Oneworld alliance, stepping up from its Oneworld Connect partner status in a move which will benefit the airline’s business class passengers and frequent flyers by tapping into the full benefits of the Oneworld group.

Speaking at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) AGM in Dubai, Oneworld CEO Nat Pieper confirmed Fiji Airways’ forthcoming entry as the 15th full member, following Oman Air later this year.

“It’s a very warm bula, or hello, to Fiji Airways as we welcome them as our 15th full member airline in the Oneworld alliance,” Pieper told media at a press event.

“Fiji Airways is already part of the Oneworld family, as we have had a highly successful relationship since the airline joined as a Oneworld connect partner five years ago.”

Oneworld CEO Nat Pieper and Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoen, flanked by FJ cabin crew.

Pieper’s remarks lock in an ambition which Fiji Airways CEO Andre Viljoen shared with Executive Traveller earlier this year, saying the Pacific carrier has a “desire to become a full member to get access to the full benefits.”

“We already have substantial relationships such as codeshares with most of the four founding members of Oneworld, so becoming a full member will take it to another level.”

The elevated benefits will include access to any Oneworld lounge when flying with Fiji Airways – including codeshares with other Oneworld members – for business class travellers plus frequent flyers.

One of the biggest wins will be for Sydney and Melbourne passengers on Fiji Airways who hold Qantas Platinum status and an FJ boarding pass: they’ll finally be admitted into the Qantas First Lounge.

Oneworld says that as a full member airline, Fiji Airways will provide Oneworld frequent flyers “with a full suite of oneworld benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access."

“Likewise, Fiji Airways’ top tier customers will be able to gain access to all Oneworld priority benefits including a network of nearly 700 business and First class lounges globally, as well as newly opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon airports."

So when will this all happen? Not until the first half of 2025, it seems, with Oneworld advising “Fiji Airways’ transition to full membership will commence immediately and will be completed within the next 12 months.”

And as previously reported, it’s widely expected Hawaiian Airlines will follow Fiji Airways and take its own seat around the Oneworld table after the acquisition by Alaska Airlines is complete.