Star Alliance

Launched on May 14, 1997, the Star Alliance was the first, and remains the largest airline alliance in the world. While code sharing was already widespread, Star represented an unprecedented level of cooperation among its partner airlines:

Related Topics:
May 14 - 1997 - Airline alliance - Code sharing - Airline

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• Frequent flyer program integration allows airline miles to be earned and redeemed on all members of the Alliance at the same level
• Premium customers of the alliance have access to all members' airport lounges.
• Flight schedules are coordinated to permit almost seamless travel which may include several 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 in an effort to promote a consistent experience
• Cooperation in development of a common information technology platform

This tight cooperation led to suspicions of anti-competitive behavior, 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, although no evidence has yet materialized. The creation of the Star Alliance sparked the formation of rivals, notably oneworld and SkyTeam.

Related Topics:
European Union - '''one'''world - SkyTeam

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Star Alliance now serves over 790 airports in 139 countries. This will be expanded to 16930 daily flights to 846 destinations in 151 countries with South African Airways and Swiss International Air Lines joining on August 26, 2005. The figure also includes the new US Airways, which reached a merger deal with America West in May 2005. Its market share is 28%, including US Airways-America West Airlines, based on the RPK.

Related Topics:
South African Airways - Swiss International Air Lines - US Airways - America West - America West Airlines

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The alliance developed the "regional" concept in 2004, which helps the alliance to penetrate individual markets through regional carriers, which requires sponsorship from existing members.

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Star Alliance was voted best airline alliance in the 2005 World Airline Awards for the second time in three years.

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Star Alliance: Membership History ►