www.uniindia.com

Hong Kong’s Dragonair joins oneworld airline alliance 

HONG KONG, Dec. 14 (UNI)

Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd. has said it will join the oneworld global alliance — a move that will give the flight network much-needed access to over a dozen additional cities in China’s booming market.

There has been intense competition between oneworld and rival Star Alliance for Chinese airlines. The country’s flag carrier, Air China Ltd., said earlier this year it would join Star Alliance.

Dragon Airlines, also known as Dragonair, was expected to join oneworld because the alliance was co-founded by its new parent company, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., Hong Kong’s biggest carrier.

‘‘A date has yet to be finalised for our membership, but we are working to achieve this as soon as possible,’’ Kenny Tang, the airline’s chief executive officer, said Wednesday.

The airline said its frequent fliers would be able to earn and redeem mileage awards on all oneworld member airlines.

Dragonair said its membership will add 15 destinations — including 12 in mainland China — to the network. The airline’s coverage of mainland China is broader than any other airline that’s not based on the mainland.

Oneworld’s alliance also includes American Airlines, British Airways PLC, Qantas Airways and Finnair PLC. Japan Airlines Corp. and Royal Jordanian Airlines are expected to join next year.

Star Alliance includes United Airlines and Deutsche Lufthansa AG.

The third major global alliance, Skyteam, includes Air France-KLM SA and Northwest Airlines Corp. China Southern Airlines Co., one of China’s top three carriers, has agreed to join the group.