The oneworld Alliance, a group of 15 airlines including American Airlines and Qantas Airways, is looking to expand its reach in the Indian market. CEO Nat Pieper announced at the Wings Club in New York that the alliance is considering adding an Indian airline partner.

While India is a highly desirable market, Pieper acknowledges that finding the right partner can be challenging. The addition of a new member must benefit both the group as a whole and each individual member. Currently, 10 oneworld members already serve India, making it a crucial and rapidly growing market.

In addition to potentially adding a new member, the oneworld Alliance is also exploring other ways to maximize their presence in India. This could include loyalty deals or a joint lounge initiative, utilizing the collective resources and networks of its members.

The alliance is also anticipating the future addition of Hawaiian Airlines, which is set to join in 2026. This comes after Alaska Air completed its acquisition of the airline in 2024.

The oneworld Alliance was founded in 1999 and has since grown to include major global carriers such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines. It aims to provide seamless travel options for passengers through codeshare agreements and frequent flyer programs.

India’s aviation market is currently the third largest in the world, behind the United States and China, and is expected to continue its rapid growth in the coming years. With the potential addition of a new Indian partner, the oneworld Alliance is poised to further expand its global reach and offer even more options for travelers.