FINNAIR TO FLY ON BOARD oneworld

FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1998

FORT WORTH, Texas -- American Airlines, British Airways, Canadian Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Qantas Airways today welcomed Finnair as the first new recruit to oneworld™, since they announced the global airline alliance in September.

As a leading northern European carrier, Finnair adds a valuable network to the
group’s worldwide presence.

Speaking on behalf of the oneworld members, Bob Ayling, Chief Executive of British
Airways, said "This is an important milestone for oneworld as Finnair is the first airline
to join since we established the alliance. We are extremely pleased to welcome Finnair to the group. Its extensive network in northern Europe and the high quality of its services will further enhance what oneworld will offer to its customers."

Antti Potila, Chief Executive Officer of Finnair, said "Joining an alliance has been a
vital part of Finnair’s long-term plans and we are extremely pleased to confirm our
participation in oneworld so early on. We are excited by the opportunities that being a
member of the world’s leading alliance will offer us."

Finnair flies to over 60 destinations worldwide, including 21 in Finland and a further 39 elsewhere in Europe. The airline employs 8,570 people and operates a fleet of 58 aircraft. Finnair is presently assessing the time that it will require for training
employees in preparation for offering oneworld services and benefits and is planning to be able to participate in the alliance from the latter half of 1999.

Full details of the services and benefits to be offered by oneworld will be announced
early next year, with implementation following shortly afterwards.



(Editors note to follow)

###



oneworld logos and other material and further background on each of the carriers
are available on their web sites:

www.oneworldalliance.com

www.aa.com www.britishairways.com

www.cdnair.ca www.cathaypacific.com

www.finnair.com www.qantas.com.au

Finnair flies on board oneworld ..2

Notes to editors:



oneworld will enable each carrier to offer customers services and products that it
cannot provide by itself, responding to changes in the global airline marketplace.

These will include:

smoother transfers for passengers traveling across the global networks of the oneworld member carriers.

greater support, with employees of each airline equipped to assist and care for
customers traveling with any of the oneworld airlines.

greater value, through a range of round-the-world products.

the intention to enhance existing co-operation between the airlines in the field of frequent flyer programs, enabling them in particular to provide more mileage awards, wider recognition for top-tier customers and access to more airport clubs and lounges.

While it does not specifically apply to their cargo activities, the airlines involved are
working on a series of initiatives to enable them to offer improved services to their
freight and mail customers.

For further information, contact:

American Airlines: Corporate Communications +1 817 967 1577

British Airways: Press Office +44 181 738 5100
Jemma Moore +44 181 738 8591

Canadian Airlines: Corporate Communications +1 403 294 6821

Cathay Pacific: Corporate Communications
Katherine Wang +852 2747 5211
Quince Chong +852 2747 5214

Finnair: Corporate Communications
Usko Maatta +35898184970

Qantas: Public Affairs +61 2 9691 3468