The oneworld Alliance, which turned 25 this month, marked the occasion today by launching its first fully branded European lounge in Amsterdam, providing a sophisticated new space for travellers before they embark on their journeys.
The alliance was launched on 1 February 1999 by its founding members American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas to increase connectivity and flexibility for passengers and to reward frequent flyer customers with special benefits and privileges.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways Director of Networks and Alliances, commented on the occasion: “As a founding member of oneworld 25 years ago, British Airways is proud to support the opening of the alliance’s first fully-branded European lounge. Amsterdam is hugely popular with our customers as we operate up to 116 flights per week from London, together with our subsidiary airlines.
“Being part of the oneworld Alliance gives our customers access to around 900 destinations around the globe, and we look forward to continuing to be a part of its continued success.”
Today, the alliance includes 13 top airlines – Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines, as well as 26 affiliate airlines and a oneworld connect partner Fiji Airways. According to oneworld, Oman Air is also set to join the alliance in 2024.
The lounge is located in Schiphol’s non-Schengen departures area and offers a wide choice of stylish seating in a spacious, bright, contemporary setting. The design includes a subtle nod to Amsterdam with tailor-made lighting pieces inspired by the spherical lights on many of the city’s iconic arched canal bridges, and oneworld says Amsterdam’s birds were also a source of inspiration for its designers with individual bird silhouettes perching over the lounge bar.
Julio Rodriguez, International Airlines Group (IAG) Chief Commercial Strategy Officer, commented: “As the alliance celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, it’s great to see that customers from all member airlines will benefit from access to oneworld’s first branded lounge experience in Europe.
“With oneworld carriers jointly operating more than 200 flights a week, the launch of the new lounge will further strengthen the presence of the alliance at Schiphol, and benefit IAG customers flying to and through this key market in Europe.”
Gerhard Girkinger, oneworld Vice President, Customer Experience, Delivery and Membership, said: “The launch of our first oneworld branded lounge in Europe – following on from our recent lounge opening at Incheon International Airport in Seoul – is a proud moment for everyone connected with the world’s
leading airline alliance.
“It’s also fantastic for our customers who enjoy premium benefits and luxury air travel when flying with oneworld member airlines. The new lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, opened as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, provides a contemporary setting that caters for the diverse needs of oneworld
customers.
“We have created a lounge that upholds our vision to make travel bright. Customers can expect a modern setting that blends refined fixtures and fittings with digital technologies and warm, ergonomic seating areas, offering a memorable travel experience.”
