Oneworld Continues Expansion Plan as Hungary´s Malev Jumps on the Bandwagon

Hungarian airline Malev formally accepted an invitation last week to join Oneworld, but it could take up to 15 months before it actually joins the growing airline alliance.

That´s because, as with any new member, it has to complete several steps first, such as connecting its information technology systems to alliance partners.

The eight-airline alliance, which includes American and British Airways, already expects to officially add Royal Jordanian in late 2006 or early 2007. In addition, Japan Airlines is seeking membership.

Oneworld said Malev would broaden the alliance´s presence in Central and Eastern Europe, where Malev serves 11 destinations.

Malev Chairman Peter Honig said joining Oneworld is a crucial element of his airline´s turnaround plan, because “no medium-size airline can achieve sustainable earnings without partners.”