Airline News: Malaysian Airlines Is Finally in an Alliance

However, it is oneworld.  No initial cap.

Joy. I guess it is better than nothing.

Commemorating this joyous marriage, MAS flew their A330 into Melbourne on Friday with a oneworld logo marked on its side.

The alliance has been hotly anticipated for fans of the carrier who just didn't think its Enrich FFP was up to scratch. It held out as long as it could but the participation in the program now allows its passengers to fly to 842 destinations in 156 countries.  For the alliance members, MAS opens up 16 new destinations for them.

As a special promo to mark the occasion, Enrich members would receive double miles when flying with oneworld partners between Feb 15 and Apr 15.

Oneworld seems quite bent on raising their position in the alliance game. Qatar Airways and SriLankan Airlines are expected to join as well, breaking the spell and unified stand the Gulf carriers have had about not joining anyone.

For ex-members of BMI's Diamond Club who have been forced into BA's Executive Club, MAS' entry is a very welcomed one as they now have more choices connecting into South East Asia. This is especially since Qantas has realigned its hub to Dubai.

And frankly, while BA and Qantas are the big honchos of oneworld, who wouldn't want an Asian carrier with Asian hospitality on board?

Now that MAS has sorted its alliance out, maybe it can figure out which livery design as its final one....