What is oneworld's position in the French business travel market?
José María Alvarado - There are opportunities for business travel in key markets,
including France, of course. In fact, we want to increase our presence there to be even more competitive. It's a market in which we are a challenger, but an important one, since we operate more than 600 flights a week from France.
What are the development prospects for the oneworld network?
J. M. A. - We welcomed the arrival of AirBerlin last March, and expect Malaysia Airlines and SriLankan Airlines to join us in 2013. In India, discussions were underway with Kingfisher. However, the airline is currently experiencing a number of financial difficulties.
What does the agreement between Qantas and Emirates mean for oneworld?
J. M. A. - Qantas was facing very specific problems on its international network and needed to find a solution. Emirates dominates the market for international flights to Australia. The agreement between the two airlines is therefore a solution to this problem specific to Qantas, which also attaches great importance to its relations with all oneworld members.
So is this a viable position?
J. M. A. - Of course it is. From oneworld's point of view, we are aware that it is very difficult to make a profit in air transport. We want to support our members, not tie their hands behind their backs and prevent them from taking decisions to be more powerful and more profitable. We want healthy airlines, even if that sometimes means working with some players who are not part of the alliance. Qantas remains an important member of oneworld, and oneworld remains an important part of the Qantas strategy.
Why did you choose to join Qatar Airways, and why now?
J. M. A. - The time is right. Qatar Airways is only about fifteen years old, about the same age as the global alliances. Oneworld carefully studied all the potential members, and this in-depth study clearly showed us that Qatar Airways was the best match for oneworld, its members and its customers, both in terms of network, quality and, more generally, management approach.
What impact will this integration have on oneworld's strategy and philosophy?
J. M. A. - No real changes, except that with Qatar Airways on board, we will be able to offer much improved network connectivity. Oneworld's goal remains the same: to be the first choice airline alliance for frequent flyers around the world, with an unrivalled selection of airlines representing every region and offering premium coverage of key routes for business travellers. We're not the biggest alliance, but we are the most recognised among frequent flyers. We have a very strong presence in most major business destinations around the world, and that's what our customers want. What they want is a high quality in-flight service, and all the advantages in terms of access to lounges and frequent flyer programmes, and that's what we offer. We want to be an alliance that makes doing business easy.
