The British Airways-backed Oneworld alliance has marked its 25th anniversary ahead of Oman Airways joining as the 14th member airline this year.
Almost nine billion passengers have flown on its member airlines since 1999.
A flight by an alliance carrier takes off or lands somewhere in the world every six seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to the airline collective.
Oneworld reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability in January by becoming the first airline alliance to join Iata CO2 Connect, contributing operational data to the aviation industry body’s emissions calculator, which establishes a carrier’s carbon footprint.
Founded by American Airlines, BA, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, the group’s members now include Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan Airlines, 26 affiliate airlines and Fiji Airways as a connect partner.
More than 330,000 staff work for member airlines, representing more than 170 territories.
Member airlines collectively serve more than 900 destinations, with passengers offered access to 600 airport lounges and other benefits.
Robert Isom, American Airlines chief executive and Oneworld chairman, said: “We are happy to celebrate the world’s leading airline alliance with more than 200 million loyal customers around the globe.
“Together, we now operate more than 12,000 departures every day – equivalent to a member airline flight taking off or landing every six seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Highlighted by the recent opening of our first fully-branded Oneworld lounge in Seoul in South Korea, we continue to expand the Oneworld network around the world for the benefit of our customers.”