Royal Jordanian is the first airline from the entire Middle East to find a home with any of the global airline alliances and oneworld's first recruit for some six years. Its addition marks the first step in the alliance's biggest expansion since it was launched eight years ago.

It will be joined on board oneworld in the coming days by Japan Airlines, Asia-Pacific's largest carrier, along with five Japan Airline associates as affiliate members, and by Malév Hungarian Airlines. Two more members of the LAN alliance will board at the same time as well, as affiliate members - MAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador.

Royal Jordanian and together with these other oneworld recruits will start offering oneworld services and benefits from 1 April 2007.

Dragonair will join them later this year.