Malev prepares to join Oneworld
Hungarian airline Malev has signed a memorandum of understanding with Oneworld as a first step to joining the alliance.
The two parties will hold various discussions regarding the conditions the airline must meet to enter Oneworld and this is expected to be followed up with a formal invitation.
Provided Malev can meet the conditions, which include delivering a new business plan and completing quality and safety audits, it will join in 2006.
Malev chief executive Janos Gonci said it was vital the airline joined Oneworld to secure its financial future.
“There is no chance of sustainable earnings for a mid-sized network carrier without partners,” he said. “Oneworld membership will immensely broaden the network of Malev and further improve the scope of services and benefits available to our customers.”
Oneworld managing partner John McCulloch said the alliance’s aim was to help airlines weather the financial turbulence in the industry, by building revenues and cutting costs.
“Member airlines are at the stage where they feel it is sensible for the alliance to recruit in regions where we would like to broaden our network. We are delighted that Malev is lining up to fill that role for Oneworld in central and eatern Europe,” he said.
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