Having flown nearly 9 billion passengers since its inception in 1999 and with 13 of the world’s top airlines, global aviation association Oneworld alliance is marking its 25th anniversary this year with a slew of initiatives and accolades.

On its 25th anniversary, Oneworld airline alliance has an aircraft of a member airline taking off or landing somewhere in the world every six seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In a press statement, the association says that the Oneworld alliance brings together 13 world airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines, and more than 20 of their affiliates.

The statement adds that since its inception in 1999, the alliance has flown nearly 9 billion customers on its member airlines, connecting them with friends, loved ones and different cultures around the globe.

The statement adds that its founding members American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas formed the alliance to increase connectivity and flexibility for passengers and to reward frequent flyer customers with special benefits and privileges.

Since then, the alliance oneworld has grown to include 13 of the world’s top airlines, 26 affiliate airlines and a Oneworld connect partner Fiji Airways. It adds that Oman Air is set to join the alliance in 2024, becoming its 14th full member, the statement adds.

It says that to celebrate the alliance’s landmark year, uniformed staff across the member airlines will wear unique pin badges that have been specially-designed with a new 25th anniversary logo.

The statement adds that it is the only global alliance to provide eligible customers access to First Class lounges, irrespective of the member airline they fly. It also offers two types of round-the-world fares, providing travellers with flexible options based on continents visited or distance travelled.

“We are happy to celebrate the world’s leading airline alliance with more than 200 million loyal customers around the globe. Together, we now operate more than 12,000 departures every day, equivalent to a Oneworld member airline flight taking off or landing every six seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Highlighted by the recent opening of our first fully-branded Oneworld lounge in Seoul in South Korea, we continue to expand the network around the world for the benefit of our customers. We look forward to the next 25 years of setting new standards in customer excellence and innovation,” says Robert Isom, American Airlines Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the alliance.

“Celebrating 25 years of Oneworld is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. Our partnership has enabled us to connect cultures, bridge continents and create lasting memories for travellers around the world,” says Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Pacific, a founding member of the alliance.

“For 25 years our alliance has brought together the best carriers, lounges, frequent flyer programmes and networks to benefit our shared customers. As the leading alliance in the sky, we will continue working with our partner airlines to ensure that the alliance delivers even more value as we help to connect travellers across more than 900 destinations around the globe,” says Vanessa Hudson, Chief Executive Officer of the Qantas Group, a founding member of the alliance.

“Oneworld’s 25th anniversary marks a significant milestone in our journey towards providing exceptional travel experiences. Together, oneworld members have contributed towards shaping the landscape of global aviation, and we remain committed to driving excellence for our customers,” says Luis Gallego, Chief Executive Officer of International Airlines Group (IAG), the holding company of British Airways, among other airlines.