LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador are to join the oneworld alliance. The two carriers - who are both subsidiaries of Chile-based LAN, one of South America's most successful airlines -are expected to join by 2007. Frequent flyers will be able to earn and redeem mileage awards on all other oneworld carriers. Top-tier members are also able to gain access to 400 airport lounges worldwide.
Members of other oneworld airlines will be able to earn and redeem awards and receive all other oneworld benefits on both LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador. The two airlines' networks will also be covered by oneworld's range of alliance fares.
Chile-based LAN Airlines has been a full member of the alliance since June 2000, along with its domestic subsidiary LAN Express and Peruvian sister LAN Peru as affiliate members. The latest additions will mean oneworld will have five Latin American airlines in its group.
Other airlines serving Latin America that are in the oneworld alliance include American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia.
The alliance claimed it is its biggest expansion programme to date with recruits Japan Airlines, Mal”v and Royal Jordanian preparing to join early next year. The expansion takes the alliance's network to almost 700 destinations in almost 150 countries.