Alaska Airlines' Nathaniel Pieper Named CEO of Oneworld Alliance

12-02-24

In a key strategic move within the aviation industry, the Oneworld alliance has announced the appointment of Nathaniel Pieper, currently senior vice president of Fleet, Finance and Alliances at Alaska Airlines, as its new chief executive officer. This appointment marks the third leadership change in the major airline coalitions over the past year, following renewals at SkyTeam and Star Alliance. Pieper will officially assume his role at the helm of Oneworld on April 1, 2024, coinciding with the alliance's 25th anniversary celebration.

Pieper, with an impressive track record in the airline industry that includes executive positions at Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines, has been a key figure in strengthening Alaska Airlines' presence within Oneworld. Under his leadership, Alaska Airlines not only successfully integrated into the alliance, but also executed aircraft transactions in excess of $9 billion and secured $5 billion in liquidity during the pandemic, demonstrating his ability to navigate uncertain economic times.

A graduate of Duke University with a degree in History and an MBA in Transportation Finance, Strategy and Management from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, Pieper is perfectly equipped to lead Oneworld into its next chapter. His experience and strategic vision is expected to propel the alliance to new horizons, focusing on strengthening cooperation among the 15 member airlines and maintaining vigorous competition against other major international airline alliances.

Pieper's welcome has been warm and full of positive expectations. Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines and chairman of the Oneworld board, expressed his enthusiasm for the new leadership: "We are delighted to welcome Nat Pieper as CEO of Oneworld. With his vast experience, we are confident that he will lead the alliance into an era of continued innovation and collaboration."

For his part, Pieper shared his excitement for this new challenge: "I have admired the influence and benefits Oneworld brings to its members and customers. I am excited to join this family and work with some of the best airlines in the world."

Oneworld, which currently includes such renowned airlines as American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways, among others, is at a crucial point in its development. With Pieper's leadership, the alliance seeks not only to celebrate its 25th anniversary, but also to define the future of global air travel, promoting connectivity and international cooperation in an industry that continues to face unprecedented challenges.

15 airlines united

Today, the Oneworld alliance is made up of 15 airlines:

• Alaska Airlines

• American Airlines

• British Airways

• Cathay Pacific

• Finnair

• Iberia

• Japan Airlines

• Malaysia Airlines

• Qantas

• Qatar Airways

• Royal Air Maroc

• Royal Jordanian

• SriLankan Airlines

• Fiji Airways

• Oman Air