Five Airlines Link Frequent-Flier Plans

LONDON —  Five airlines this week begin a global alliance. American Airlines, British Airways, Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific, Canadian Airlines and Australia’s Qantas said their “oneworld” alliance will offer linked frequent-flier programs, a frequent-flier card common to all five airlines, smoother transfers for passengers and a range of around-the-world fares. Finnair said it will join the alliance later this year.

The creation of the alliance gives the airline industry a second big global linkup, rivaling the Star alliance, which includes United Airlines, Germany’s Lufthansa, Sweden’s SAS, Air Canada, Brazil’s Varig, Thai Airways and Singapore.