The newest airline to join the global oneworld alliance, LanChile, has agreed a code-share with fellow member BA to provide connections between London and the Chilean capital Santiago. The deal, which starts August 1, represents a breakthrough for LanChile which does not fly to the UK. From that date BA services will terminate at Buenoes Aires and the Chilean carrier will handle onward flights to Santiago, operating with a BA code.

The arrangement also solves a problem for BA who were considering abandoning the Santiago service. They now fly from London and Santiago 5 times each week, via Buenos Aires, but has struggled to make a profit on the route since it was introduced in 1993.
Carl Michel, BA's Commercial Director, said: "Against mounting losses we were facing the difficult decision of having to suspend services to this part of the world altogether, or find an alternative solution. I am delighted that we have found a way of continuing to serve Chile and air travellers to and from Southern Latin America."

For LanChile, which joined oneworld on June 1, Ignatio Cueto, Senior Vice-President Customer Services, said: "We intend to make transfers between our connecting flights so smooth, convenient and easy that, for our customers, it will be just as good as flying all the way with just one airline."