Star Alliance
| File:SA logo.png | |
| Launch date | 14 May 1997 |
|---|---|
| Full members | 20 |
| Non-voting members | 3 |
| Pending members | 3 |
| Destination airports | 965 |
| Destination countries | 160 |
| Annual passengers (M) | 455.47 |
| Annual RPK (G) | 761 |
| Fleet size | 3087 |
| Management | Jaan Albrecht (CEO) |
| Website | www.StarAlliance.com [1] |
Star Alliance is the largest airline alliance, with the following points of cooperation among its partner airlines:
- Frequent flyer program integration allows airline miles to be earned and redeemed on all members of the Alliance at the same level (with the exception of certain deeply discounted classes) and lounge access by Gold card holders when flying in economy class
- Premium customers of the alliance have access to airport lounges of all members
- Flight schedules are coordinated to permit travel with different carriers within the alliance, on a single ticket
- Special fares for round-the-world and similar travel on alliance members offer discounts over booking individual itineraries
- Customer service processes are harmonized
- Cooperation in development of a common information technology platform
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[2], 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 due to its size and sparked the formation of rivals, notably SkyTeam and Oneworld.
The alliance developed the "regional" concept in 2004, which helps Star Alliance penetrate individual markets with the regional participation of smaller carriers. Regional Star Alliance members have to be sponsored by an existing full Star Alliance member.
Star Alliance members now fly nearly 18,000 daily flights to 965 airports in 162 countries utilizing a fleet of 3,087 aircraft. Its members carried a total of 405.7 million passengers with a turnover of 95.3 billion US dollars in 2006. The alliance's market share is 28% of the global market based on revenue passenger kilometers. All Star Alliance carriers combined employ over 350,000 pilots, flight attendants, and other staff. Star Alliance was voted best airline alliance in the Skytrax 2007 World Airline Awards.[3]
Membership history
- 1997 — The alliance is founded by Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines System, Thai Airways International, and United Airlines. Varig joins the alliance.
- 1999 — Ansett Australia, All Nippon Airways, and Air New Zealand become members.
- 2000 — Singapore Airlines, BMI, Mexicana, and the Austrian Airlines Group join the alliance.
- 2001 — Ansett Australia folds under bankruptcy.
- 2003 — Asiana Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, and Spanair join.
- 2004 — US Airways joins the alliance. Mexicana's membership ends. Adria Airways, Croatia Airlines, Blue1 inaugurate the alliance's regional network.
- 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 the alliance.
- 2007 — Varig is ejected from the alliance on January 31. Air China and Shanghai Airlines join the alliance on December 12.
- 2008 — Turkish Airlines joined on April 1 and became the 20th Member. EgyptAir is expected to formally join the alliance on July 11th.
- 2009 — Air India is expected to join on 1 February 2009. Continental Airlines is awaiting regulatory approval and plans to join by mid 2009.
Co-location
- In March 2008, some Star Alliance members started to move to Terminal 1 of London Heathrow Airport as part of a re-arrangement program corresponding with the shifting of British Airways flights to Terminal 5. Star Alliance members Air New Zealand and United Airlines moved into Terminal 1 on 10 June 2008. Members Austrian Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss International Airlines, and TAP Portugal will move to T1 in November 2008. South African Airways have been in Terminal 1 for decades. All other members will remain at T3 until Heathrow East is completed, where all members will then move.[4]
- On March 26, 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.[5]
- 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, 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.[6]
- 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 China and 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 will also move to the new Terminal 3 once the terminal opens in 2008 to simplify transfers with future Star Alliance member, Egyptair. [7]
- 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.
- US Airways joined Star Alliance Partners Air Canada, United, Lufthansa, Austrian and LOT Polish in Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport in March 2008. They had previously been in Terminal 3.
- Several Star Alliance Members have also shifted operations to Singapore's Changi Airport Terminal 3.
Logo on aircraft
All aircraft belonging to Star Alliance members display a Star Alliance logo at the front of the aircraft.
Some Star Alliance members paint their planes with the Star Alliance livery, usually featuring a white fuselage with "Star Alliance" signature written across and a dark-blue tailfin with the Star Alliance logo. Austrian Airline has painted some of their aircraft in a modified Star Alliance livery white a white tail instead of dark-blue. Asiana Airlines was the first Star Alliance member to paint their aircraft in Star Alliance livery.
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 and BMI Regional) the branding of the "parent" full member may be so strong as to mean passengers are unaware of the affiliate's independent existence.
Full members and their affiliates
Air Canada* [1]
Air China [2]
Air New Zealand [3]
ANA All Nippon Airways [4]
Asiana Airlines [5]
Austrian Airlines [6]
BMI [9]
LOT Polish Airlines [10]
Lufthansa* [12]
SAS Scandinavian Airlines System* [13]- Shanghai Airlines [14]
Singapore Airlines [15]
South African Airways [16]
Spanair [19]
Swiss International Air Lines [20]
TAP Portugal [21]
Thai Airways International* [22]
Turkish Airlines [23]
United Airlines* [24]
- Ted -Ted is being retired in 2009 and will be replaced with mainline service
- United Express
- US Airways [25]
* founding member
Regional members
Adria Airways [26] (sponsored by Lufthansa)
Blue1 [27] (sponsored by SAS)
Croatia Airlines [28] (sponsored by Lufthansa)
Future members
Air India was invited to join Star Alliance on December 13, 2007, and is scheduled to be a member by mid 2009. [29]
- Air India Express
- Air India Regional [Ex-Alliance Air]
- Continental Airlines On June 19, 2008 Continental Airlines and United Airlines signed an agreement which will lead to Continental's exit from SkyTeam and entry into Star Alliance as well as, pending government approval, an antitrust immunized alliance between Continental Airlines, United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada and further Star Alliance member airlines [8]
EgyptAir was invited to join Star Alliance on October 16, 2007, and is scheduled to be a member on July 11, 2008.[30]
Potential members
AiRUnion On November 16, 2007 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and AiRUnion which might lead to AiRUnions entrance into the alliance. Both Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa will support AiRUnion's efforts. [31]
TAM Airlines (TAM Linhas Aéreas)– the airline is currently partnered with United Airlines, Lufthansa and TAP Portugal.[9]In addition to these partnerships TAM recently sign MOUs with Air Canada and Swiss International Air Lines in order to implement code share and frequent traveller agreements [10][11]. Talks are on with TAM Brazil to replace Varig and restore Star Alliance to Latin America.[12][13]
Former members
Ansett Australia — collapsed in 2001.
Mexicana — left the alliance in 2004 after deciding not to renew a codeshare alliance with United Airlines and opted to codeshare with American Airlines (Oneworld member) and in turn announced to join the Oneworld alliance in April 2008.- Varig — suspended its membership alliance on January 31, 2007 due to major restructuring, being involuntarily ejected, and failing to meet miminum qualifications.
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
- Airport lounge access
Membership tiers granting Star Alliance Silver:
- Air Canada (Aeroplan)– Prestige
- Air China (Air China Companion)– Gold, Silver
- Air New Zealand (Airpoints)– Silver
- ANA (Mileage Club)– Bronze
- Asiana (Asiana Club)– Gold
- Adria/Austrian/Croatia Airlines/LOT/Lufthansa/SWISS (Miles & More)– Frequent Traveler
- BMI (Diamond Club)– Silver
- Blue1/SAS (EuroBonus)– Silver
- Shanghai Airlines (Flying Crane)– Silver
- Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)– Silver
- South African Airways (Voyager)– Silver
- Spanair (Spanair Plus)– Silver
- TAP (Victoria)– Silver Winner
- Thai (Royal Orchid Plus)– Silver
- Turkish Airlines (Miles and Smiles)– Classic Plus
- United (Mileage Plus)– Premier, Premier Associate
- US Airways (Dividend Miles)– Silver Preferred
The lowest qualification criteria for a Star Alliance Silver status is 10,000 status miles earned during one calendar year with Thai's Royal Orchid Plus program [32] awarding a status valid for a full two years.
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 20kg (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)
Membership tiers granting Star Alliance Gold:
- Air Canada (Aeroplan)– Super Elite, Elite
- Air China (Air China Companion)– Platinum, Gold
- Air New Zealand (Airpoints)– Gold Elite, Gold
- ANA (Mileage Club)– Diamond, Platinum, Super Flyers
- Asiana (Asiana Club)– Platinum, Diamond
- Adria/Austrian/Croatia Airlines/LOT/Lufthansa/SWISS (Miles & More)– HON Circle, Senator
- BMI (Diamond Club)– Gold
- Blue1/SAS (EuroBonus)– Pandion, Gold
- Shanghai Airlines (Flying Crane)– Gold
- Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)– Solitaire PPS Club, PPS Club, Elite Gold
- South African Airways (Voyager)– Platinum, Gold
- Spanair (Spanair Plus)– Gold
- TAP (Victoria)– Gold Winner
- Thai (Royal Orchid Plus)– Gold
- Turkish Airlines (Miles and Smiles)– Elite Plus, Elite
- United (Mileage Plus)– Global Services, 1K, Premier Executive
- US Airways (Dividend Miles)– Chairman's Preferred, Platinum Preferred, Gold Preferred
The lowest qualification criteria for a Star Alliance Gold status is 35,000 status miles earned during one calendar year with Air Canada's Aeroplan program awarding a status valid for one year from March of the next year.
Alternatively, 50,000 qualification miles during a calendar year in Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus program awards a Gold status with two years validity.
Furthermore, accumulating 100,000 miles over three calendar years in Asiana Airlines Club Programme will gain Gold status, with a renewal requirement of 40,000 miles in three calendar years– the lowest re-qualification criteria for a Star Alliance Gold status.
Destinations
References
- ^ Facts & Figures– Star Alliance
- ^ 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, November 5, 1999
- ^ "2007 World Airlines Awards– Best Alliance". Skytrax. 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
- ^ "Star Alliance Gears Up For Terminal Moves at London Heathrow". Star Alliance. Retrieved 2008-03-27.
- ^ ATW: Star Alliance has eye on India as Air China, Shanghai Airlines prepare to join
- ^ ATW: Star Alliance has eye on India as Air China, Shanghai Airlines prepare to join
- ^ http://www.egyptair.com.eg/English/AboutEgyptAir/NewsPress/star_alliance.htm
- ^ http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/vendors/default.aspx?i=PRNEWS
- ^ TAM could be the next Star Alliance memberfrom www.abtn.co.uk May 29, 2007
- ^ select (all)'&acc_code= TAM and Air Canada sign Memorandum of Understanding
- ^ select (all)'&acc_code= TAM and Swiss sign Memorandum of Understanding
- ^ More Stars in the sky– Express TravelWorld
- ^ TAM hints at joining Star
External links
- Star Alliance– Official site
- Photos of aircraft in Star Alliance livery
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