FIJI AIRWAYS: Becomes full member of OneWorld, with AAdvantage Rewards as loyalty program

At last, Fiji Airways joins the grown-ups

Fiji Airways has officially become a full member of the OneWorld alliance instead of a lone member of its half-baked ‘connect’ member program. This is a significant milestone for the airline and its passengers. As of today, 1 April 2025, the Fijian national carrier offers its customers all the perks of OneWorld membership, including lounge access, priority services, and mileage points and status earning across the global network.

OneWorld full member perks, but Fiji style

Fiji Airways connects to 25 destinations across 14 countries from its Nadi International Airport hub. That includes OneWorld hubs like Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Sydney. Fiji Airways has recently expanded into the United States with its new route to Dallas-Fort Worth. That and its adoption of the AAdvantage Rewards currency indicate their strategic intent.

For frequent flyers, benefits include:

• Access to around 700 airline and OneWorld lounges worldwide
• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling
• Earning & redeeming miles on OneWorld airlines
• Earning Tier (status) Points to climb the status ladder

“The introduction of Fiji Airways marks an important strategic step for our alliance as we connect even more people, places, and experiences than ever before.”

Nat Pieper, CEO of OneWorld

AAdvantage takes the reins

The other big move is that Fiji Airways has adopted American Airlines’ AAdvantage® loyalty program as its frequent flyer scheme. This means Fiji Airways’ customers will now earn and redeem AAdvantage miles and, through them, the benefits of the OneWorld Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald status tiers. This will assist members in accessing benefits across the alliance.

“Becoming a full member of the oneworld alliance is a proud and momentous milestone for Fiji Airways. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing world-class service and expanding our global reach while showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Fiji to the world.”

Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways CEO

Background

Fiji Airways’ first flight was on 1 September 1951. Since then, it has grown into an airline with a fleet of 23 aircraft, including its new Airbus A350-900s, the flagship of its fleet. Bulla! to that warm and welcoming Fijian hospitality for travellers around the world.

For what it’s worth, Fiji Airways has recently been awarded a Five-Star Major Airline rating from APEX—that’s three years running. It also has multiple Skytrax 2024 awards for an airline in the Australia/Pacific region.

Fiji Airways runs a ‘domestic’—that is, to its Pacific neighbours—subsidiary, Fiji Link, which also joins as an affiliate airline and covers flights to Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

2PAXfly Takeout

OneWorld adds a bit of tropicality with Fiji Airways joining its alliance.

I have a soft spot for Fiji Airways. The warm Fijian hospitality is evident from the moment you board. It is typified by the Bulla you will receive as a greeting or the ‘Welcome home’ you will be greeted with when you arrive at your Fijian hotel. It sounds a bit folksy on ‘naf,’ but when delivered with a big smile and an intrinsic sense of hospitality, it works.

If you haven’t had the chance to travel with Fiji Airways, then you should. They sometimes have very attractive offers, particularly for travel to Fiji and then onto the USA. Spending a few hours in the lounge at Nadi Airport is a comfortable way to break your flight. It also brings with it the possibility of having a bit of a Pacific break, however you travel between the USA and Australia.