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Update 11/20/2024: Oman Air's joining of the Oneworld Alliance has slipped again. Executive Traveller reports that the join date is now slated for June 30, 2025.
Update 10/7/2024: Today at Routes World 2024, Oman Air's CEO reportedly shared that the airline's timeline to join the Oneworld alliance has slipped to 2025.
Update 6/3/2024: At the IATA conference in Dubai, Oneworld CEO Nathaniel Pieper indicated that Oman Air should become a full member by the end of 2024.
Airline alliances continue to expand as travel ramps up to a whole new level. Star Alliance is adding Deutsche Bahn trains, marking the first intermodal partner in an airline alliance. And now Oman Air announced it will be joining the Oneworld Alliance by 2024 — as announced at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Doha in June 2022.
Once Oman Air joins Oneworld, you will be able to earn Sindbad miles on Oneworld flights and fly to unique destinations such as Duqm and Khasab, Oman and Chittagong, Bangladesh within the Oneworld alliance.
Oman Air to Join the Oneworld Alliance
Alaska Airlines joined Oneworld Alliance in 2021, and Royal Air Maroc joined the year before. Now, Oman Air will be joining Oneworld in 2024. Oman Air is the third airline in the Middle East to join, joining Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian.
Oman Air already serves Oneworld airline hubs of Amman (Royal Jordanian), Colombo (Sri Lankan Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines), and London Heathrow (British Airways). Plus, the airline already had codeshare agreements with Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, and Sri Lankan Airlines. So, it makes sense for the Muscat-based airline to join the Oneworld alliance.
Qatar Airways is the airline sponsoring Oman Air's joining. And the integration into the Oneworld alliance should be completed by 2024.
Oman Air's fleet includes over 40 aircraft including Boeing 737s, 787s, and Airbus A330s. While not ranked as one the top airlines, passengers leave some great reviews — including the experience in Oman Air first class from London Heathrow to Muscat, Oman. While not as large as other airlines, Oman Air offers quality with an Omani flair. Routes extend as far west as the U.K., and east to the Philippines.
Benefits of Oman Air Joining Oneworld
The usual benefits will come about when an airline joins an alliance. Members of the Sindbad frequent flyer program will earn and redeem miles on Oneworld alliance flights. Members of other Oneworld airline mileage programs will earn and redeem miles on Oman Air.
Oneworld elites will also enjoy benefits such as priority check-in, priority boarding, and checked baggage allowance. Plus, Oneworld Emerald, Oneworld Sapphire, and premium cabin customers will gain access to the three Oman Air lounges in Muscat, Salalah, and Bangkok.
Read more: Beginner's Guide to Airline Alliances and Partnerships
Our Take
The value of Oman Air joining the Oneworld alliance will be relative to everyone's viewpoint and itineraries. Perhaps the two existing Middle East partners (Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian) already provide all the routes you need. Or, maybe you prefer flying business class with Oman Air.
While we wait for Oman Air to join Oneworld, you can always take advantage of Oman Air's partnership with Air Canada.
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