oneworld - Meridiana's(IG) intent on moving towards OW

It seams as though IG is intent on partnering primarily with OW carriers. Page 20 of this PDF "IG Roadshow Presentation (http://www.meridiana.it/cms/deploy/1/IGGJ_InvestorRelations/IT/doc/presentazioni/Meridiana%20Fly_RoadshowPresentation.pdf)" contains the following statement.

Strengthen current marketing alliances with oneworld carriers (Iberia, British Airways, Finnair and others)...

This pdf was from 2010, but with the addition of the AB codeshare it shows that IG is really looking to become OW's Italian partner whether though codeshares or actual alliance membership.

Page 24 also describes their OW relationship at the time.

I also found this link that states IG is joining OW. Obviously, it never happened, but I never knew IG even entered negotiations to actually join the alliance. This is an Italian website, so maybe there is something lost in translation.


Meridiana joins in the "Oneworld" alliance (http://www.avionews.com/index.php?corpo=see_news_home.php&news_id=1070799&pagina_chiamante=index.php)

:confused: They're on the verge on bankruptcy as far as I'm aware?

:confused: They're on the verge on bankruptcy as far as I'm aware?

I'm finding nothing indicating that to be true. They just completed the purchase of Air Italy for EUR 82.65 million.

Before the following news being revoked, I would not belive IG would be in OW. Because there is still a chance that Alitalia and its allies includes AF/KL may stop it happening.

Alitalia, Meridiana Fly Are in Merger Talks, Messaggero Reports (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-12/alitalia-meridiana-fly-are-in-merger-talks-messaggero-reports.html)

Plus at this moment IG is more or less a holiday charter airline with limited domestic flight network. Unless they have a viable FFP programme which macth OW I do not see it happening in three years time. And personally i think Air Italy is a better name.

They just completed the purchase of Air Italy for EUR 82.65 million.

I didn't know that. All I know (for sure) is that at the beginning of this year they announced several redundancies and a plan to cut their [old] fleet by 50%. Hopefully (for their customers) they'll start getting rid of those rusty MD80s.

Before the following news being revoked, I would not belive IG would be in OW. Because there is still a chance that Alitalia and its allies includes AF/KL may stop it happening.


The Air Italy merger killed the IG-AZ tie up. ^ I'm doubting the EU would allow that kind of concentration(IG+I9+AZ) in the Italian market.


Plus at this moment IG is more or less a holiday charter airline with limited domestic flight network.


This is probably their biggest issue in regards to joining an alliance. There is some route rationalization going on now that they have I9's fleet to incorporate. So we will see what their routes look like in the next year.



Unless they have a viable FFP programme which macth OW I do not see it happening in three years time.


IG's FFP would be the least of the issues to joining OW. Their Hi-Fly program is miles based, but offers one elite level. However, its nothing that a few tweaks can overcome.



And personally i think Air Italy is a better name.


I have to disagree here. Slapping the word "Air" in front of a country's name is a pet peeve of mine, and shows a lack of brand creativity. Air Italy sounds as unique as Air Uzbekistan.

Meridiana has a more "sexy" Italian flair similar to Alitalia. The only thing IG needs now is the product to match the name.

All I know (for sure) is that at the beginning of this year they announced several redundancies and a plan to cut their [old] fleet by 50%.

At that point in time, a 50% cut in their fleet would have most likely meant ditching all or most of the MD80's. Post merger, they are dropping 13 aircraft, two of which are ATR's while the other is a 757. That leaves 10 planes, which I'm sure will be MD80's.

Last flew them 3 years ago. At the time, they were a dump (M80 falling in piece, tight pitch, bad service, the works).

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http://www.avionews.com/index.php?corpo=see_news_home.php&news_id=1070799&pagina_chiamante=index.php

This news is just from this site, however I won't believe it till OneWorld officially announces it

(WAPA) - It is official. Meridiana joins in "Oneworld" alliance, headed by British Airways, in order to exceed the 5 million of tickets in 2007.

This piece of news is more than four years old. I see no possibilities of IG align to OW until earliest 2013.

This news is just from this site, however I won't believe it till OneWorld officially announces it


Thats the same link I originally posted. :p

This piece of news is more than four years old.

Yes, but it shows the intent of IG to associate and likely join OW. It appears as though they were ready to join the alliance, but it was probably determined by alliance members that their network doesn't provide enough connectivity for OW partners flying into FCO.

The PDF I posted shows that IG is focused on becoming closer to OW. The new AB codeshare proves that.

I see no possibilities of IG align to OW until earliest 2013.

I agree. AB and IT are BA's focus for now. Besides, IG has to focus on integrating Eurofly/Air Italy under one brand, and rationalizing their route network.