In 2022, the Gulf carrier Oman Air surprisingly announced its intention to join the Oneworld aviation alliance (as we reported). Since then, a year and a half has passed, and it has been relatively quiet in the meantime.
Now, there is at least an update regarding the anticipated joining date. This information comes from an interview with Gerhard Girkinger, Vice President of the Oneworld alliance, by Executive Traveller. According to the interview, the current plan is to join in the second half of 2024, meaning it should happen sometime between July and December:
I would expect in the second half of this year we’ll have an official joining of Oman Air… we are a little bit too far away from determining the exact date, but it’s going to be somewhere in the second half of 2024.
Gerhard Girkinger to Executive Traveller
Apparently, there have been some minor delays in the joining process. At the end of 2022, the joining was “hopefully” expected in the first quarter of 2024.
According to the interview, the integration of new members into the IT systems is the most time-consuming factor for such memberships. ITA Airways recently demonstrated what not to do: The Italians joined SkyTeam in a short period, but many airlines do not recognize ITA status.
Conclusion
Oneworld frequent flyers will have to wait a bit longer before they can earn miles and status benefits on Oman Air flights. At least, the basic plan for them to join in 2024 seems to be solidifying. However, speculatively booking flights at this point is not a good idea.
After the absolutely amateurish handling of an alleged “Error Fare” to Thailand, I personally have no inclination to try Oman Air. I can gladly do without an airline with such customer service.
Translated by Ditmar
Cover Picture: © Oman Air