The oneworld Alliance, an airline group comprising 15 global carriers including American Airlines and Qantas, is actively considering an Indian airline partner as part of its strategy to capture opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. Speaking after the Wings Club gathering in New York, CEO Nat Pieper told Reuters, “India is a market that we collectively have interest in finding somebody,” reflecting the alliance’s intensified focus on the region.
Pieper highlighted that integrating a new member is a complex process, requiring alignment with all 15 alliance partners. With ten oneworld members currently operating flights to India, the alliance is also exploring expanded cooperation such as shared loyalty programs and joint lounge initiatives to maximise the group’s presence even before onboarding a local partner.
Underscoring the alliance’s expansion trajectory, Hawaiian Airlines is set to join oneworld in 2026, following Alaska Air’s completed acquisition of the airline last year. The move comes as India’s air traffic, global connectivity, and tourism continue to surge, making the country a strategic focus for international aviation alliances.
