Star Alliance
 |
|
| Launch date | 14 May 1997 |
|---|---|
| Full members | 28 |
| Pending members | 2 |
| Destination airports | 1,077 |
| Destination countries | 181 |
| Annual passengers (M) | 623.53 |
| Annual RPK (G) | 990.24 |
| Fleet size | 4,022 |
| Management | Jaan Albrecht (CEO) |
| Alliance slogan | The Way The Earth Connects |
| Headquarters | Frankfurt, Germany |
| Website | www.staralliance.com |
Star Alliance is the world's first and largest airline alliance. Founded in 1997, its name and emblem represent the five founding airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways International and United Airlines. Star Alliance has since grown considerably and now has 28 member airlines. Star Alliance is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.[1]
The CEO of the alliance since 2001 is Jaan Albrecht, who began his aviation career in 1973 as a pilot for Mexicana Airlines. In 2010, he was named the winner of the Tony Jannus Award for distinguished leadership in the field of commercial aviation.[2]
Customer service
Codeshare flights between these airlines are, for the most part, seamless. This tight cooperation led to suspicions of anti-competitive behaviour, and the alliance was investigated by the European Union as a virtual merger of its members. Indeed, some speculated that if government regulations were relaxed, the members would merge into a single corporation,[3] although no evidence has yet materialized. Prior to Star Alliance, Northwest Airlines and KLM were operating together as the forerunners of the modern airline alliance system since 1993, although there had been even earlier pairings and groupings of airlines for decades on a less formal level. The creation of Star Alliance was a milestone in airline history because of its size. It sparked the formation of rivals, notably SkyTeam and Oneworld.
The alliance developed the "Regional" concept in 2004, which helped Star Alliance penetrate individual markets with the regional participation of smaller carriers. Regional Star Alliance members had to be sponsored by an existing full Star Alliance member. However, Star Alliance has stopped designating airlines as "Regional" members and now refers to all the 28 airlines as just "members".[4]
Star Alliance members now fly over 21,200 daily flights to 1,172 airports in 181 countries with a fleet of 4,025 aircraft. Its members carried a total of 627.52 million passengers with a turnover of US$156.8 billion. The alliance's market share is 28% of the global market based on revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), which is greater than the combined market share of all airlines that are not in any of the three major alliances. All Star Alliance carriers combined employ over 405,000 pilots, flight attendants, and other staff. Star Alliance was voted best airline alliance in the Skytrax 2007 World Airline Awards.[5]
Membership history
- 1997 — The alliance is founded by Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways International, United Airlines. Varig joins later in the year.
- 1999 — Ansett Australia, All Nippon Airways, and Air New Zealand become members.
- 2000 — Singapore Airlines, BMI, Mexicana, and the Austrian Airlines Group (Austrian Airlines, Tyrolean Airways and Lauda Air) join.
- 2001 — Ansett Australia leaves the alliance due to bankruptcy.
- 2003 — Asiana Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, and Spanair join.
- 2004 — Croatia Airlines, Blue1, Adria Airways inaugurate the alliance's regional network. US Airways joins the alliance. Mexicana left Star Alliance after deciding not to renew a code-share with United Airlines.
- 2005 — TAP Portugal joins the alliance. After merging with US Airways under the US Airways name, America West Airlines joins working through US Airways original membership.
- 2006 — Swiss International Air Lines and South African Airways join.
- 2007 — Varig is ejected from the alliance on 31 January. Air China and Shanghai Airlines join on 12 December.
- 2008 — Turkish Airlines (on 1 April) and EgyptAir (on 11 July) become members.
- 2009 — United Airlines' subsidiary, Ted ceased operations in January. Continental Airlines (on 27 October) and Brussels Airlines (on 9 December) become members.
- 2010 — TAM Airlines (on 13 May) and Aegean Airlines (on 30 June) joined the alliance. Olympic Air will become a full member. Shanghai Airlines will leave the alliance (on October 31) due to its merger with China Eastern Airlines.[6]
- 2011 — Air India further delayed its entry into Star Alliance and now plans to join by March 2011[7]
Star Alliance member hubs and co-location
Star Alliance member hubs
Co-location (move under one roof)
- In March 2008, some Star Alliance members started to move to Terminal 1 of London Heathrow Airport as part of a re-arrangement program. Star Alliance members Air New Zealand and United Airlines moved into Terminal 1 on June 10, 2008. Members Austrian Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss International Airlines, and TAP Portugal moved to Terminal 1 in June 2009. TAM Airlines moved on March 28, 2010.[9][10] Asiana, BMI, LOT Polish Airlines, South African Airways and US Airways already operate from Terminal 1. All other members will remain at T3 (except Continental Airlines which will remain in T4) until the new Terminal 2A is completed, where all members will then move.[11]
- On 26 March 2008, all Star Alliance members moved operations to the new Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in order to maintain simple transfers with Air China and other Star Alliance airline members.[12] Continental Airlines moved its operations to Terminal 3 on the eve of July 30, 2009.
- Since the remodeling of Mexico City International Airport's Terminal 1, all Star Alliance carriers were re-located to the Hall F2 of the terminal's International Building. United Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and US Airways now have their check-in facilities inside a single hall. The gate assignation for Star Alliance member airline varies, although they tend to operate into the 'F' gates. (F20-F28)
- At the same time as the move at Beijing Capital International Airport, all Star Alliance members are also expected to move to the new Terminal 2 at Shanghai Pudong International Airport to maintain simple transfers with Air China, Shanghai Airlines and other Star Alliance airline members.[12]
- During the renovation of Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport's Terminal 1, all Star Alliance members but Air Canada, Austrian Airlines, Croatia Airlines and future members were re-located there, in order to "create" a Star Alliance Hub.
- International Star Alliance departures and arrivals serving San Francisco International Airport moved to Boarding Area G except for those of Air Canada and Asiana Airlines.
- In June 2006, all Star Alliance member airlines except Air New Zealand moved to the new South Wing in Terminal 1 of Narita International Airport to simplify transfers with All Nippon Airways.
- Star Alliance members serving Cairo International Airport joined national carrier EgyptAir in moving their operations into the new Terminal 3. The transfer to the terminal started in April 2009 (EgyptAir) and completed in August 2009. The move allows seamless transfers between all members in particular EgyptAir with a minimum connection time of 60 minutes. The terminal is the sole use of the Star Alliance partner airlines.[13]
- All Star Alliance members at Miami International Airport (Air Canada, United, US Airways, Lufthansa and Swiss) relocated to the newly built Concourse J, as part of the airport's "alliance co-location" program; Star Alliance was a major contributor to the new Concourse and overall Terminal construction.
- In June 2008, Star Alliance member airlines were relocated to the west side of Incheon International Airport as part of the airport's renewal program, followed by the opening of the new Concourse A.
- At Toronto Pearson International Airport in March 2008, US Airways joined Star Alliance Partners Air Canada, United, Lufthansa, Austrian and LOT Polish in Terminal 1, where all Star Alliance member airlines (except Continental) are now located.
- In March 2008, Star Alliance member airlines were relocated to Terminal 2 at Warsaw's Frederic Chopin Airport.
- At Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport, TAM airlines, TAP Portugal, United Airlines, and US Airways were relocated to Terminal 2. Continental Airlines is the only Star Alliance member still operating from Terminal 1.
- At Hamburg Airport, Brussels Airlines relocated to terminal 2, like the other Star Alliance members.[14]
- At Tokyo Narita International Airport, Continental Airlines relocated to the South Wing of Terminal 1 on November 1, 2009 with all Star Alliance carriers.[15]
- At Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, Continental Airlines relocated to Terminal 1 on November 17, 2009 with the other Star Alliance members.[16]
- At Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Continental Airlines relocated to the North Terminal on March 24, 2010, joining all the other Star Alliance members.[17] However, the terminal is not exclusive to Star Alliance and is shared with other non-aligned carriers.
- At Munich Airport All Star Alliance partners were relocated to Terminal 2 following its completion in June 2003.
- At Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, all Star Alliance members were relocated to the new Terminal 3 after its opening on July 28, 2010.[18]
- At Cleveland Hopkins International Airport(Continental Airlines hub), Continental Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada Jazz operate out of the 'C' Concourse. However US Airways still uses the 'A' Concourse, and some Continental flights use the 'D' Concourse(regional jets), or the 'A' Concourse(international arrivals).
- At Denver International Airport(United Airlines Hub), United Airlines, Continental Airlines, and US Airways operate out of the 'B' Concourse. The 'A' Concourse houses Lufthansa, Air Canada, and United Airlines(International arrivals).
- At San Diego International Airport Air Canada moves to Terminal 2 where most of the Star Alliance member airlines operate out of. United Airlines still operates out of Terminal 1.
Logo on aircraft
Some Star Alliance members paint some of their planes with the Star Alliance livery, usually featuring a white fuselage with "Star Alliance" signature written across and a black tailfin with the Star Alliance logo. Some member airlines including Air New Zealand, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines have opted to paint the tails of their aircraft with their airline logo. Asiana Airlines was the first Star Alliance member to paint their aircraft in the current Star Alliance livery.[19] Aircraft painted in the airlines' own livery have the Star Alliance logo painted behind the cockpit. The Star Alliance logo has a diameter of approximately 70 cm (28 in).
Member airlines
Starting in 2004, Star Alliance has divided its member airlines into full members and regional members. Before being accepted as a regional member, airline must be sponsored by a full member. Full members may have some affiliate airlines (that either are owned by or are in a contractual relationship with a Star Alliance full member). Affiliate airlines fall under full member umbrella in respect to the Star Alliance rules, policies and benefits. All of the affiliate airlines grant Star Alliance frequent flyer benefits, and usually feature the Star Alliance logo on their aircraft, public relation materials and advertisement. In some cases (such as Air New Zealand Link airlines, Swiss European Air Lines, and BMI Regional) the branding of the parent full member may be so strong that passengers are unaware of the affiliate's independent existence.
Full members and their member & non-member affiliates
| Member Airline | Country | Joined | Affiliates | Non-member Affiliates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adria Airways |  Slovenia |
|
- | |
| Aegean Airlines 9 |  Greece |
|
- | |
| Air Canada1 |  Canada |
|
Air Canada Jazz Air Canada Jetz Air Georgian |
- |
| Air China |  China |
|
- | Shandong Airlines Shenzhen Airlines7 |
| Air New Zealand |  New Zealand |
|
Air New Zealand Link operated by: → Air Nelson→ Eagle Airways→ Mount Cook Airline |
- |
| All Nippon Airways |  Japan |
|
Air Central Air Japan Air Next Air Nippon |
- |
| Asiana Airlines |  South Korea |
|
- | Air Busan |
| Austrian Airlines |  Austria |
|
Austrian Arrows (Tyrolean Airways) Lauda Air |
|
| Blue1 |  Finland |
|
- | |
| BMI |  United Kingdom England |
|
BMI Regional |
BMIbaby |
| Brussels Airlines | .svg.png){kind=small} Belgium |
|
- |  Korongo |
| Continental Airlines8 |  United States |
|
Continental Connection operated by: → Cape Air→ Colgan Air→ CommutAir→ Gulfstream International Airlines Continental Express operated by:→ Chautauqua Airlines→ ExpressJet Airlines Continental Micronesia |
 Aeromar |
| Croatia Airlines |  Croatia |
|
- | |
| EgyptAir |  Egypt |
|
EgyptAir Express |
Air Cairo Air Sinai Smart Aviation Company |
| LOT |  Poland |
|
EuroLOT |
LOT Charters |
| Lufthansa1 |  Germany |
|
 Lufthansa Italia Lufthansa Regional2 operated by:→ Air Dolomiti3→ Augsburg Airways→ Contact Air→ Eurowings3→ Lufthansa CityLine3 |
Germanwings SunExpress4 |
| SAS Scandinavian Airlines1 |  Denmark Norway Sweden |
|
- | Widerøe Estonian Air |
| Shanghai Airlines6 | China |
|
- | China United Airlines |
| Singapore Airlines |  Singapore |
|
- | SilkAir Singapore Airlines Cargo Tiger Airways Tiger Airways Australia |
| South African Airways |  South Africa |
|
Airlink South African Express |
Mango Congo Express |
| Spanair |  Spain |
|
- | |
| Swiss International Air Lines |  Switzerland |
|
Swiss European Air Lines |
Edelweiss Air Swiss Private Aviation |
| TAM Airlines |  Brazil |
|
Pantanal Linhas Aéreas TAM Airlines (Paraguay) |
TAM Cargo TAM Executive Aviation |
| TAP Portugal |  Portugal |
|
Portugalia PGA Express |
- |
| Thai Airways International1 |  Thailand |
|
- | Nok Air Thai Tiger Airways |
| Turkish Airlines | Turkey |
|
- | Anadolu Jet SunExpress4 B&H Airlines |
| United Airlines1 | United States |
|
United Express2 operated by: → Chautauqua Airlines→ Colgan Air→ GoJet Airlines→ Mesa Airlines→ Shuttle America→ SkyWest Airlines→ Trans States Airlines |
- |
| US Airways | United States |
|
US Airways Express2 operated by: → Air Wisconsin→ Chautauqua Airlines→ Colgan Air→ Mesa Airlines→ Piedmont Airlines5→ PSA Airlines5→ Republic Airlines→ Trans States Airlines US Airways Shuttle |
- |
1 Founding member
2 Airlines operating under the Continental Connection, Continental Express, Lufthansa Regional, United Express and US Airways Express brands are not necessarily members of Star Alliance. However flights are operated on behalf of the respective member airlines, carry their designator code and are Star Alliance flights.
3 Members of Lufthansa Regional that are fully owned by Deutsche Lufthansa AG
4 Jointly owned by Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines
5 Wholly Owned By US Airways Group
6 Shanghai Airlines will leave the alliance on 31 October 2010 after merging with China Eastern Airlines.[6] In a move to consolidate operations with China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines moved its Beijing operations on March 28, 2010, from terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport, which Star Alliance members are using, to terminal 2 to co-locate with China Eastern.[20] (China Eastern on April 16, 2010 announced its intentions to become a full member of SkyTeam in mid-2011.[21])
7 On 22 March 2010 Air China announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Shenzhen Airlines
8 Merger into United Airlines announced on May 2, 2010. All flights to be operated under United name
9 Merger into Olympic Air announced on February 2010. Olympic Air will join Star Alliance before or when the merger occurs.
Former member airlines and their member affiliate
| Former Member Airline | Country | Joined | Exited | Affiliates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ansett Australia1 | Australia |
|
|
Aeropelican Air Services Ansett New Zealand Hazelton Airlines Kendell Airlines Skywest Airlines |
| Mexicana2 | Mexico |
|
|
Aerocaribe |
| Varig3, 4 | Brazil |
|
|
Nordeste Rio Sul PLUNA |
1 Collapsed in 2001
2 Left the alliance in 2004 after deciding not to renew a codeshare alliance with United Airlines, opting instead to codeshare with American Airlines, and joined the Oneworld alliance on November 10, 2009
3 Suspended its membership alliance on 31 January 2007 due to major restructuring, being involuntarily ejected, and failing to meet minimum qualifications
4 Was a founding member of the alliance, but due to a code-share agreement with Delta Air Lines, the airline joined the alliance a few months after its birth.
| Former member affiliate | Country | Joined | Exited | Member affiliate of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Tango | Canada |
|
|
Air Canada |
| Air Nova | Canada |
|
|
Air Canada |
| Air Ontario | Canada |
|
|
Air Canada |
| AeBal (operating as Spanair Link) | Spain |
|
|
Spanair |
| Ted Airlines1 | United States |
|
|
United Airlines |
| United Shuttle2 | United States |
|
|
United Airlines |
| Zip | Canada |
|
|
Air Canada |
1 Ted's operations are now operating as United Airlines
2 United Shuttle's operations ceased and became part of United Airlines
Future member airlines
| Future Member Airline | Country | Joining | Affiliates | Non-Future Member Affiliates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Air[22] 1 | Greece |
|
- | - |
| Air India2 |  India |
|
Air India Express Air India Regional Indian Airlines |
- |
1On 26 May 2009 Aegean Airlines' membership application was approved by the Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance. In February 2010, Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air have announced they will merge, with the newly merged airline carrying the Olympic Air brand. Aegean joined Star Alliance on 30 June 2010, and Olympic Air will join Star Alliance in late 2010, before or when the merger occurs.
2 Air India was invited to join Star Alliance on 13 December 2007. It was originally scheduled to become a member on March 29, 2009. Its entry has now been delayed and is now tentatively expected to become a member by March 2011.[24]
Possible future members
At the annual board meeting on 11 December 2008 in Chicago Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht revealed that the alliance is targeting up to 50 members. New management strategies, such as regional and global leaderships are being examined in order to handle a significantly larger alliance.[25]
Airlines having applied/been invited for membership
The following airlines have reportedly been invited to join the alliance or have applied for membership. As the invitation or application still needs to be approved these airlines cannot yet be considered as future members.
| Possible Future Member Airline | Affiliates | Star Alliance Code Share Partners |
Star Alliance Frequent Flyer Programme Partners |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Avianca-TACA Ltd. Avianca S.A. (Avianca) TACA International S.A. (TACA) |
Avianca: AeroGal Capital Airlines Helicol Avianca Brazil (formerly OceanAir) SAM Tampa Cargo VarigLog VIPTACA:  Aeroperlas Aviateca Isleña La Costeña Lacsa Nica SANSA TACA Peru Volaris |
Avianca: Air Canada TACA: Lufthansa1 United Airlines US Airways2 |
TACA: Lufthansa1 United Airlines |
TACA in 2008 started the process of applying to join Star Alliance. Initially Avianca said TACA would continue this process while it pondered its alliance options separately. But (Germán) Efromovich now says any alliance decision will be made by Avianca and TACA simultaneously.[26] |
 Ethiopian Airlines |
 ASKY Airlines |
BMI Brussels Airlines Lufthansa SAS Scandinavian Airlines South African Airways Turkish Airlines |
Lufthansa SAS Scandinavian Airlines |
According to CEO Girma Wake, Ethiopian Airlines intends to formally apply for membership early in 2010. The airline hopes to join the alliance in late 2010 or early 2011. Ethiopian also plans to add code share agreements with EgyptAir, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International and United Airlines.[27][28][29][30] |
1 On 1 April 2009 Lufthansa and Taca will start code sharing on flights linking Miami with San Salvador and Caracas with Lima operated by Taca as well as Lufthansa flights from Miami and Caracas to Frankfurt. In addition to that the two airlines agreed to combine their frequent flyer programmes, enabling members to earn and redeem miles on both airlines' entire networks [31]. This comes after Lufthansa and Taca signed a memorandum of understanding on 23 May 2007, intending to cooperate closely [32].
2 Since 12 January 2010[33].
Airlines in membership negotiations
The following airlines are reportedly in negotiations with Star Alliance. These negotiations will not necessarily lead to an invitation or application to join the alliance.
| Possible Future Member Airline | Affiliates | Star Alliance Code Share Partners |
Star Alliance Frequent Flyer Programme Partners |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Aerolíneas Argentinas |
Austral Líneas Aéreas |
- | - | Aerolíneas Argentinas' CEO Mariano Recalde recently revealed that the airline is in early membership negotiations with both Star Alliance and SkyTeam[34]. |
 Air Malta |
- | Austrian Airlines [35] BMI Brussels Airlines Lufthansa Swiss International Air Lines Turkish Airlines |
Lufthansa[36] Swiss International Air Lines |
In an interview published on 1 June 2009 Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht confirmed membership talks between the alliance and Air Malta[37]. |
| Copa Airlines |
AeroRepública |
Continental Airlines | Continental Airlines | On 21 November 2008, Copa chief executive Pedro Heilbron on the ALTA airline leaders forum in Cancun, expressed that Copa Airlines has decided to leave Sky Team and is in exclusive talks with Star Alliance. According to Mr. Heilbron, Copa Airlines has not much choice since Continental Airlines left Skyteam for Star Alliance.[38]. In May 2009 Copa Airlines confirmed exiting SkyTeam on 24 October 2009[39] |
| Jet Airways |
Jet Konnect JetLite |
Air Canada ANA Brussels Airlines Turkish Airlines United Airlines |
All Nippon Airways Austrian Airlines Brussels Airlines Lufthansa South African Airways Swiss International Air Lines Turkish Airlines United Airlines |
Media reports suggest that Lufthansa is courting Jet Airways as a future member. Star Alliance has not ruled out adding a second Indian airline in addition to Air India. However the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation is said to be upset as they feel Air India was put at a disadvantage.[40][41] In December 2009 Lufthansa board member Karl Ulrich Garnadt mentioned in an interview that a country like India could support more than one alliance member and that Jet Airways was an option for Star Alliance.[42] Air India chairman Arvind Jadhav acknowledged on May 15, 2010 while announcing the joining of Air India into Star Alliance, that Jet Airways is in talks to join[7]. However, he demanded Jet Airways join after Air India so that Air India can have the "first mover advantage"[7]. Oneworld discussed potential membership for Jet Airways in June 2009, as Jet Airways have strong codeshare ties with Oneworld airlines, particularly American Airlines. In February 2010 Kingfisher Airlines decided to join Oneworld; as a result, the likelihood that Jet will join Oneworld may have decreased.[43] It is also possible that Jet Airways may elect to join SkyTeam, as they do not have an Indian airline in the alliance, unlike Star and Oneworld, which are about to have an Indian airline in their alliances. |
Airlines being courted/considering membership
The following airlines are reportedly interested in joining the alliance or being courted by Star Alliance. These airlines may or may not decide to become a member.
| Possible Future Member Airline | Affiliates | Star Alliance Code Share Partners |
Star Alliance Frequent Flyer Programme Partners |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Aer Lingus |
Aer Lingus Regional |
Spanair United Airlines |
United Airlines | According to Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Müller, the airline is looking at re-joining a global airline alliance after leaving Oneworld in 2007. It has received strong interest from all global airline groupings[44]. Though the carrier has not expressed a preference for one alliance yet, Chirstoph Müller remarked that Star Alliance or Oneworld would work best for the airline's U.S. routes[45]. Aer Lingus also recently negotiated a major codeshare pact with Spanair[46]. |
| JetBlue Airways |
- | Lufthansa | - | According to Dave Barger, CEO of JetBlue Airways, the airline is currently considering becoming a member of a global airline alliance. Since Lufthansa owns a 19% stake in JetBlue, Star Alliance seems to be the most likely choice. Jetblue already partners with Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines as well as Aer Lingus, which currently is not part of an alliance.[47][48][49] Also, JetBlue has an agreement with South African Airways during the 2010 World Cup so that SAA can make more destinations in the continental US more accessible for travel during the World Cup.[50] However, JetBlue's alliance decision may be influenced by the recent interline partnership agreement signed with Oneworld's American Airlines. Both airlines did not rule out the opportunities of codesharing and JetBlue's participation in Oneworld alliance.[51] |
 Luxair |
- | Austrian Airlines LOT Lufthansa |
All Star Alliance members | Lufthansa owns a 13% stake in the company.[52] The airline has also adopted Lufthansa's 'Miles & More' frequent flyer program as their official loyalty program since 29 March 2009.[53][54] |
 Qatar Airways |
- | ANA Asiana Airlines BMI Lufthansa United Airlines |
ANA Asiana Airlines BMI Lufthansa United Airlines US Airways |
On 24 July 2009 Qatar Airways' CEO Akbar Al Baker revealed that the airline is interested in joining an airline alliance. Al Baker said that he was most interested in joining Star Alliance but he stressed that such a move has to be win-win situation for all parties involved.[55] |
 Transaero Airlines |
- | Austrian Airlines BMI Singapore airlines EgyptAir Air India |
BMI | Transaero DG Olga Pleshakova stated that Transaero is "discussing increasing its cooperation with Star Alliance," and is considering full membership, although joining is not currently top priority. |
| Virgin Atlantic |
- | ANA BMI Continental Airlines Singapore Airlines South African Airways US Airways |
Air China Air New Zealand All Nippon Airways BMI Continental Airlines SAS Scandinavian Airlines Singapore Airlines South African Airways US Airways |
Virgin's involvement with Lufthansa's talks on BMI's future may lead to a possible merger on parts of the airlines' operations - this may well lead to Virgin's entrance into the Star Alliance to counter its major rival, Oneworld alliance's strong presence on the very lucrative LHR-JFK route. In fact Virgin already has partnership agreements with 9 of the Star Alliance members, while having none with Oneworld and SkyTeam members. Singapore Airlines currently has a 49% stake in shareholding on Virgin Atlantic.[49] |
Premium status
Star Alliance has two premium levels, Silver and Gold, based on a customer's tier status in a member carrier's frequent flyer program. Each of the member and regional airlines recognizes Star Silver/Gold status, with a few exceptions (mainly pertaining to airport lounge access). The statuses have no specific requirements of their own; membership is based solely on the frequent flyer programs of individual member airlines. Many member airlines also have an additional premium status beyond Gold which is not recognised across Star Alliance.
Star Alliance Silver
Star Alliance Silver status is awarded to customers who have reached a premium level of a member carrier's frequent flyer program.
Benefits of Star Alliance Silver membership:
- Priority reservations waitlisting
- Priority airport stand-by
Some airlines also offer the following to Silver members:
- Priority boarding
- Priority airport check-in
- Priority baggage handling
- Preferred seating
- Additional checked luggage allowance
- Waived fees for 1st and 2nd checked bags
- Airport lounge access
Star Alliance Gold
Star Alliance Gold status is awarded to customers who have reached a high level of a member airline's frequent flyer program.
Benefits of Star Alliance Gold membership:
- Priority reservations waitlisting
- Priority airport stand-by
- Priority boarding
- Priority airport check-in
- Priority baggage handling
- Additional checked luggage allowance of 20 kg (or one extra piece where the piece concept applies)
- Airport lounge access to designated Star Alliance Gold lounges on the day and at the place of departure, on presentation of a valid Star Alliance boarding pass.
Some airlines also offer the following to Gold members:
- Preferred seating (exit seat, or even on a special section on the plane on some carriers, which provides more leg room)
- Guaranteed seating on fully booked flights (subject to the booking class code and notice period)
- Free upgrade (in the form of voucher/certificate or automatic upgrade upon check-in)
Qualifying Tiers by Airline
| Member Airline | Mileage Program | Star Silver (Qualifying Tiers) |
Star Gold (Qualifying Tiers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adria Austrian Brussels Airlines Croatia Airlines LOT Lufthansa SWISS |
Miles & More | Frequent Traveller | Senator HON Circle |
| Aegean Airlines | Miles & Bonus | Blue | Gold |
| Air Canada | Aeroplan | Prestige | Elite Super Elite |
| Air China | Phoenix | Silver | Gold Platinum |
| Air New Zealand | Airpoints | Silver | Gold Gold Elite |
| ANA | Mileage Club | Bronze | Super Flyers Diamond Platinum |
| Asiana | Asiana Club | Gold | Diamond Diamond Plus Platinum |
| BMI | Diamond Club | Silver | Gold |
| Blue1 SAS |
EuroBonus | Silver | Gold Pandion |
| Continental Airlines | OnePass | Silver | Gold Platinum |
| EgyptAir | EgyptAir Plus | Silver | Gold Platinum |
| Shanghai Airlines | Flying Crane | Silver | Gold |
| Singapore Airlines | KrisFlyer | Elite Silver | Elite Gold PPS Club Solitaire PPS Club |
| South African Airways | Voyager | Silver | Gold Platinum |
| Spanair | Spanair Plus | Silver | Gold |
| TAM Airlines | Fidelidade | Blue | Red |
| TAP | Victoria | Silver Winner | Gold Winner |
| Thai Airways International | Royal Orchid Plus | Silver | Gold |
| Turkish Airlines | Miles and Smiles | Classic Plus | Elite Elite Plus |
| United | Mileage Plus | Premier Associate Premier |
Premier Executive 1K Global Services |
| US Airways | Dividend Miles | Silver Preferred | Gold Preferred Platinum Preferred Chairman's Preferred |
The lowest qualification criteria for a Star Alliance Silver status is 4,000 status miles earned during a 12 month period, on Aegean Airlines.
The lowest qualification criteria for a Star Alliance Gold status is 20,000 status miles earned during a 24 month period. (4,000 miles in the first 12 month period and an additional 16,000 miles in a 12 month period after achieving "Blue" status) on Aegean Airlines.
Another carrier offering a similar level for Star Alliance Gold status qualification is Turkish Airlines. Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles Classic Plus cardholders who earn 40,000 status miles within 12 consecutive months are eligible to become Elite members, thereby earning Star Alliance Gold status. [9] Turkish Airlines Elite status is valid for two years. Miles and Smiles members who are residents of Turkey can renew their Elite level membership by earning 30,000 qualifying miles within one year of earning elite status or 45,000 miles within two years of earning elite status. Miles and Smiles members residing outside of Turkey are eligible for elite status renewal if they accrue 25,000 miles within one year of gaining elite status or 37,500 within two years – the lowest re-qualification criteria for a Star Alliance Gold status.
Effective 1 October 2008, accumulating 40,000 miles over two calendar years in Asiana Airlines Club Programme will gain Gold status, with a renewal requirement of 40,000 miles in two calendar years.
Star Alliance Special Livery
Currently, 81 aircraft are painted in Star Alliance livery.
Photo gallery of the Star Alliance livery
 Adria Airways (2009) |
 Air China A330-243 at Vancouver International Airport (2008) |
 Air China A330-243 at Vancouver International Airport (2008) |
|
 Air New Zealand A320 at Melbourne Airport (2008) |
|||
 Croatia Airlines Airbus A320 at Dubrovnik Airport (2008) |
 EgyptAir A330 at Paris Charles de Gaulle (2008) |
||
 Lufthansa B747-400 at Frankfurt International Airport (2006) |
 SAS MD-82 taking off from London Heathrow International Airport (2008) |
||
 Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) seen at Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (2007) |
 Shanghai Airlines B767-300 at Beijing Capital International Airport (2009) |
 Singapore Airlines B777-200 at Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali (2006) |
|
 Spanair A320-232 at Madrid Barajas Airport (2005) |
|||
 Thai Airways B747-400 (2006) |
 Thai Airways B747-400 at Don Mueang International Airport (2006) |
||
 United Airlines B767-300 at Zürich Airport (2009) |
 US Airways Express/Republic Airlines Embraer ERJ-170 at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (2010) |
_landing_@KIX_RJBB_(485788212).jpg)
References
- ↑ "Employment Opportunities." Star Alliance. Retrieved on 27 December 2008.
- ↑ "Tony Jannus Award goes to Jaan Albrecht". Atlanta Business Chronicle (American City Business Journals). March 23, 2010. http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/othercities/tampabay/stories/2010/03/22/daily24.html?s=industry&i=travel. Retrieved 2010-03-24.
- ↑ Current issues arising with airline alliances: panel discussion. EUROPEAN AIR LAW ASSOCIATION. 11th Annual Conference. Recent developments in European air transport law and policy Lisbon, 5 November 1999
- ↑ http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/
- ↑ "2007 World Airlines Awards– Best Alliance". Skytrax. 2007. http://www.worldairlineawards.com/Awards_2007/Allnc.htm. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-29/shanghai-airlines-to-leave-star-alliance-at-end-of-october-xinhua-reports.html
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/Air-India-to-join-Star-Alliance-by-March-2011/articleshow/5934302.cms
- ↑ see page 19
- ↑ "TAM transfere para o Terminal 1 suas operações nos aeroportos de Paris e de Londres" (in Portuguese). TAM Airlines. 26 March 2010. http://www.tam.com.br/b2c/vgn/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b9a9009fe3b97210VgnVCM1000003408020aRCRD. Retrieved 2010-04-01.
- ↑ "TAM to join Star Alliance". Travel Daily UK. 30 March 2010. http://www.traveldaily.co.uk/AsiaPacificNews/Detail.aspx?Section=18389. Retrieved 2010-04-01.
- ↑ "Star Alliance Gears Up For Terminal Moves at London Heathrow". Star Alliance. http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/press_releases/2008/lhr_terminal_1_mar_08.html. Retrieved 2008-03-27.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 ATW: Star Alliance has eye on India as Air China, Shanghai Airlines prepare to join
- ↑ EgyptAir » About EgyptAir » News and Press » EgyptAir to join Star Alliance ,last update
- ↑ http://konzern.lufthansa.com/en/html/presse/pressemeldungen/index.html?c=nachrichten/app/show/en/2009/03/909/HOM&s=0
- ↑ http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=85779&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1337635&highlight=
- ↑ Continental Airlines to Relocate Airport Operations at Paris/Charles De Gaulle and Barcelona
- ↑ http://www.detnews.com/article/20091118/LIFESTYLE07/911180327/1001/rss21
- ↑ http://www.calcuttanews.net/story/665290
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ [2]
- ↑ China Eastern to join SkyTeam (Official Press Release: April 16, 2010)
- ↑ "Agreement between the shareholders of AEGEAN AIRLINES and OLYMPIC AIR for the creation of a national airline champion". Aegean Airlines website. 2010-02-22. http://en.aegeanair.com/news.aspx?newsItem=748. Retrieved 2010-02-22.
- ↑ http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-108348.html
- ↑ "Air India to join Star Alliance by March 2011". 15 May 2010. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/Air-India-to-join-Star-Alliance-by-March-2011/articleshow/5934302.cms. Retrieved 13 May 2010.
- ↑ Star adds Brussels Airlines, targets up to 50$ members
- ↑ Avianca's Efromovich sees 'honeymoon' with Star Alliance
- ↑ "Ethiopian plans Star entry"
- ↑ Girma Wake: Driving growth at Ethiopian Airlines
- ↑ Ethiopia went "from mule to aircraft" when African aviation was in its infancy - Wake
- ↑ http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=comm&id=news/awx/2010/05/13/awx_05_13_2010_p0-226843.xml&headline=Star%20Close%20To%20Adding%20Two%20More%20Carriers
- ↑ Lufthansa launches codeshare flights with TACA to Peru and El Salvador
- ↑ TACA and Lufthansa ponder joint services
- ↑ US Airways press release
- ↑ [3]
- ↑ Air Malta Codeshare Partners
- ↑ KMile Partners
- ↑ Star: Alliance's growth, innovation continue to attract attention
- ↑ Copa and TACA poised to join Star
- ↑ Copa confirmes SkyTeam exit
- ↑ "Lufthansa's support for Jet's Star Alliance entry upsets govt"
- ↑ Air India Entry To Star Delayed By Year
- ↑ [4]
- ↑ Kingfisher to join Oneworld
- ↑ [5] "Aer Lingus looking to join an alliance"
- ↑ [6] "Aer Lingus Aims to Join Alliance After No-Frills Exit"
- ↑ Mulligan, John (28 June 2010). "Aer Lingus and Spanair in code-share agreement bid". Irish Independent. http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/aer-lingus-and-spanair-in-codeshare-agreement-bid-2290575.html. Retrieved 12 August 2010.
- ↑ "JetBlue eyeing more international partners"
- ↑ "JetBlue Airways Looking for International Partners"
- ↑ 49.0 49.1 [7]
- ↑ [8]
- ↑ Arpey: Interlined AA-JetBlue Services 'Eventually' Will Be Included In Corporate Deals
- ↑ Luxair: Shareholders
- ↑ MILES & MORE: LUXAIR IS A FULLY INTEGRATED MILES & MORE PARTNER
- ↑ Miles & More: Luxair
- ↑ "Qatar Air CEO: 'Star Alliance should invite us to join'"
External links
- Star Alliance– official site
- Photos of aircraft in Star Alliance livery
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||
|
||||||||||||||