MAS remains focussed on joining oneworld

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) says it remains focussed on joining the Oneworld Alliance, following the formal invitation to join the airline alliance on June 6. The airline is hopeful that the membership with Oneworld would materialise within the first half of next year, and coincide with the introduction into service of its flagship A380 aircraft. In a statement, MAS said it is currently working diligently to meet the alliance requirements, to ensure that it becomes a full member soonest possible, subject to the relevant regulatory approvals being obtained. MAS is currently a member-elect for the Oneworld, sponsored by Qantas Airways. MAS said it is also reviewing its product offering on its new long-haul aircraft deliveries, especially the wide-body A380 and A330 aircrafts to ensure its products are "best-in-class". The national carrier said with the combination of Oneworld membership, "best-in-class" product and the airline's world renowned service standards, it was confident that revenues and yields would improve, and that 2012 would see a positive turnaround for the airline's finances. MAS said its impending Oneworld membership will also lead to easier transfers, code-shares, joint ventures and greater route access amongst alliance partners, as well as benefit passengers in terms of miles points and other rewards. The statement today was made amid reports that MAS management had indicated during the analysts conference call on the airline's second quarter results that a review of its Oneworld alliance was on the cards. The reports stated that the MAS management was re-evaluating the decision, and that opting for membership with another airline alliance, SkyTeam, would serve the airline better as there would be no route overlap.