International Aviation News

On December 12, 2007, Air China Limited and Shanghai Airlines formally joined Star Alliance, the largest airline alliance in the world. The announcement was made by Mr. Jaan Albrecht, the CEO of Star Alliance, at a ceremony held in the new Terminal 3 building at the Beijing Capital International Airport. By joining Star Alliance, Air China and Shanghai Airlines can expand their route network to all over the world by partnering with the extensive international route network of Star Alliance.

(photographer: ShengTie)

Mr. Li Jiaxiang, Chairman of Air China Limited and President of China National Aviation Holding Company, said at the ceremony, “After Air China joins Star Alliance, customers of Air China will be able to enjoy the seamless travel services to 897 destinations in 160 countries operated by 19 member carriers of Star Alliance. Travellers can also enjoy the high-quality onboard, ground and frequent flyer program services highly consistent with the standard of Star Alliance. The frequent travellers and passengers of Air China will also be offered more value added services. The services provided by Air China will result in a more reliable, convenient, comfortable and satisfactory travel experience.”

According to industry insiders, joining Star Alliance will enable Air China and Shanghai Airlines to improve their global networks through flight connections with Star Alliance partners. By leveraging Star Alliance’s strength in network coverage and resource optimization, the two airlines would provide great convenience to customers while reducing their operating costs and improving their operations and management. This will influence the overall development and international competitiveness for the whole airline industry in China.

(photographer: Sunqijiang)

About Star Alliance

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 and is the largest global airline alliance offering customers worldwide networks and a smooth travel experience. Star Alliance was voted Best Airline Alliance by Business Traveller Magazine in 2003, 2006 and 2007 and by Skytrax in 2003, 2005 and 2007. The members of Star Alliance are Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, BMI, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAP Portugal, THAI Airways, United Airlines and US Airways. Regional member carriers, Adria Airways (Slovenia), Blue1 (Finland) and Croatia Airlines also enhance the global network. EgyptAir and Turkish Airlines have been accepted as future members and are expected to join Star Alliance soon. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 17,000 daily flights to 897 destinations in 160 countries with 19 member airlines.

Star Alliance Customer Benefits

•Value added air passes and special fares, for example: Round the World Fare and Circle Asia Fare.
•Check-in services for all Star Alliance flights.
•Customers have more options for connections if there are flight irregularities.
•A more extensive network to help find lost baggage.
•Members of the Star Alliance Frequent Flyer Program (FFP) can accumulate and redeem mileage or bonus points on any member carrier.
•Star Alliance Gold Card members can enjoy priority check-in at dedicated check-in counters, priority wait listing if desired flights are already fully booked, priority airport standby if there is no confirmed reservation upon arriving at the airport, priority baggage handling, additional baggage allowance, and flight schedule coordination.
•Gold cardholders have access to over 700 airport lounges worldwide.