oneworld Chief Executive Officer Rob Gurney announces intention to depart the alliance

oneworld, the leading global airline alliance, announced today that its Chief Executive Officer Rob Gurney has elected to leave the alliance’s central management team.

“We are grateful to Rob for his leadership in navigating oneworld through the challenges of the past six years,” said oneworld Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Akbar Al Baker. “Rob has played a critical role in establishing oneworld as the most preferred alliance by global travellers with a best-in-class travel experience.”

Gurney joined oneworld in 2016 and grew the alliance with the addition of Royal Air Maroc, Alaska Airlines and future member Oman Air. He has also championed oneworld’s sustainability efforts as member airlines committed to a 10% sustainable aviation fuel target across the alliance by 2030. During his tenure, oneworld launched oneworld connect to offer airlines a new way to link to the alliance and provide more travellers the benefits of being part of oneworld.

Gurney will remain in his role until 1 July 2023. American Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Vasu Raja will lead the search for Gurney’s replacement on behalf of oneworld. Gurney and the oneworld management team will report to Raja until a successor is named.

“With travellers around the world eagerly returning to the skies, the oneworld Alliance plays a critical role in providing global connectivity,” said American Airlines Chief Executive Officer Robert Isom. “Making the travel experience between oneworld member airlines seamless for our customers is a top priority for oneworld this year and beyond.”

Recently, oneworld relocated its global headquarters to Fort Worth to further grow and strengthen its partnerships with its member airlines. The alliance continues to be the preferred alliance among world travellers as it was named Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveler USA and Global Traveler in 2022.