Star Alliance

File:The Star Alliance is Born May 1997.jpeg, SAS, Thai Airways, Air Canada and Lufthansa) gathered together to form a star, May 1997]]

The Star Alliance was announced on 14 May 1997 by five airlines from three continents: Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways International and United Airlines.{{Cite news|last=Bryant|first=Adam|title=United and 4 Others to Detail Air Alliance Today|work=The New York Times|date=14 May 1997|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F0071FFC345D0C778DDDAC0894DF494D81|access-date=16 October 2010|archive-date=30 January 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130132618/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F0071FFC345D0C778DDDAC0894DF494D81|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Tagliabue|first=John|title=5 Airlines Extend Limits of Alliances|work=The New York Times|date=15 May 1997|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0A15FA3C5C0C768DDDAC0894DF494D81|access-date=16 October 2010}} The group adopted a shared star-shaped logo, with each point representing a founding member. Its first slogan was “The Airline Network for Earth,” and it aimed to connect passengers to major cities worldwide. Advertising efforts were managed by Young & Rubicam, with a budget of $25 million (€18 million).{{Cite news|last=Meredith|first=Robyn|title=Airline Alliance Picks Y.& R.|work=The New York Times|date=15 May 1997|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB061FFC3F5C0C768DDDAC0894DF494D81|access-date=16 October 2010}}

VARIG, a now-defunct Brazilian airline, joined the alliance on 22 October 1997, marking its expansion into South America.{{Cite news|title=5 Airlines In 'Global Branding' Alliance|publisher=nwsource.com|work=Bloomberg News|date=14 May 1997|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19970514/2539161/5-airlines-in-global-branding-alliance|access-date=16 October 2010|archive-date=1 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001211822/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19970514&slug=2539161|url-status=live}} Ansett Australia and Air New Zealand also joined, extending the network into Australia and the Pacific.{{Cite news|title=Star Alliance Welcomes New Members of the Team|publisher=SAS Press Release|work=SAS|date=3 May 1999|url=http://feed.ne.cision.com/wpyfs/00/00/00/00/00/00/5F/45/wkr0002.pdf|access-date=23 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928151510/http://feed.ne.cision.com/wpyfs/00/00/00/00/00/00/5F/45/wkr0002.pdf|archive-date=28 September 2015|url-status=live}} With these additions, the alliance served 720 destinations in 110 countries and operated a combined fleet of 1,650 aircraft. All Nippon Airways became the second Asian airline to join on 15 October 1999.{{Cite news|title=ANA boards Star Alliance|publisher=Google Archive|work=The Nation|date=24 October 1998|url=https://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=DsQpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=D0QDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6501,2416754&dq=star+alliance+ansett&hl=en|access-date=16 October 2010|archive-date=11 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411164934/https://news.google.com.au/newspapers?id=DsQpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=D0QDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6501,2416754&dq=star+alliance+ansett&hl=en|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://feed.ne.cision.com/wpyfs/00/00/00/00/00/00/8F/FE/wkr0002.pdf|title=All Nippon Airways Joins Star Alliance air india tata airlines combined.Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413154701/http://feed.ne.cision.com/wpyfs/00/00/00/00/00/00/8F/FE/wkr0002.pdf|archive-date=13 April 2014|url-status=live}}

During the early 2000s, a number of airlines joined Star Alliance; the Austrian Airlines Group (Austrian Airlines, Tyrolean Airways and Lauda Air) joined on 26 March 2000{{cite web|title=Austrian Airlines|publisher=Star Alliance|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/austrian_airlines/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905113551/http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/austrian_airlines/|archive-date=5 September 2015|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://feed.ne.cision.com/wpyfs/00/00/00/00/00/00/E2/48/bit0002.pdf|title=Austrian Airlines Group has joined Star Alliance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413140755/http://feed.ne.cision.com/wpyfs/00/00/00/00/00/00/E2/48/bit0002.pdf|archive-date=13 April 2014|url-status=live}} and Singapore Airlines on 1 April.{{cite web|title=Singapore Airlines|publisher=Star Alliance|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/singapore-airlines/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218060106/http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/singapore-airlines/|archive-date=18 February 2015}} BMI (British Midland) and Mexicana joined on 1 July, bringing the alliance's membership to 13.{{Cite news|title=British Midland And Mexicana Airlines Welcomed to the Star Alliance Network|publisher=breakingtravelnews.com|date=26 June 2000|url=http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/btn40002507/|access-date=16 October 2010|archive-date=8 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708092142/http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/btn40002507/|url-status=live}} With Singapore Airlines' entry into the alliance, Thai Airways considered moving to OneWorld, but eventually decided to remain.{{Cite web|last=Schmeltzer|first=John|title=Thai Airways Considers Departing The Star Alliance|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-02-11-0002110407-story.html|access-date=2020-11-23|website=chicagotribune.com|date=11 February 2000 |language=en-US|archive-date=19 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119085023/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-02-11-0002110407-story.html|url-status=live}} The addition of BMI made London Heathrow the only European hub with two alliances. During the year, Emirates considered joining Star Alliance, but decided against it.{{Cite news|last=Reece|first=Damian|title=Emirates poised to join Star Alliance|publisher=Telegraph.co.uk|date=13 August 2000|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4461750/Emirates-poised-to-join-Star-Alliance.html|page=11|access-date=16 October 2010|location=London|archive-date=24 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624175206/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4461750/Emirates-poised-to-join-Star-Alliance.html|url-status=live}} That year the now-defunct BWIA West Indies Airways, which had entered an alliance with United Airlines, considered becoming a member but did not.{{Cite news|last=Lewis

|first=Paul|title=BWIA seeks fleet renewal funds |publisher=Flight International|date=16 May 2000|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bwia-seeks-fleet-renewal-funds-65595/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709155043/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bwia-seeks-fleet-renewal-funds-65595/|archive-date=9 July 2015|access-date=5 December 2010|location=Orlando}} In 2000, the alliance also opened its first three business centers (in Los Angeles, Frankfurt, and Bangkok) and announced the formation of an Alliance Management Team (AMT), the partnership's executive body.{{cite web|title=Star Alliance Chronological History|publisher=Star Alliance|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/organisation/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/organisation/|archive-date=17 October 2015}} In September 2001, Ansett Australia (the alliance's only Australian member) left Star Alliance due to bankruptcy, giving most of the Australian market to Qantas (a Oneworld member). That year, Star Alliance announced the appointment of a new CEO, Jaan Albrecht.

Partner airlines promoted the Star Alliance brand with a ‘Round the World’ ticket (RWT) that offered choices of 19,000, 21,000, and 23,000 miles with stopovers of 15 cities valid for one year.{{Cite web | title=Round the world | url=https://roundtheworld.staralliance.com/staralliance/en/round-the-world | access-date=10 June 2021 | archive-date=28 June 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628082309/https://roundtheworld.staralliance.com/staralliance/EN/round-the-world | url-status=live }}

Asiana Airlines joined the alliance on 1 March 2003,{{cite web|title=Asiana Airlines|publisher=Star Alliance |url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/asiana-airlines/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/asiana-airlines/ |archive-date=17 October 2015}} Spanair on 1 May 2003,{{cite web|title=Spanair |publisher=Star Alliance |url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/spanair |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210163714/http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/spanair|archive-date=10 December 2011}} followed by LOT Polish Airlines (Poland's flag carrier) joining in October.{{cite web|title=LOT Polish Airlines|publisher=Star Alliance|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/lot-polish-airlines/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928045525/http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/lot-polish-airlines/|archive-date=28 September 2015}}

Around this time, Mexicana Airlines left the alliance after deciding not to renew a codeshare agreement with United Airlines, later joining Oneworld. US Airways joined the alliance in May 2004,{{Cite news|title=US Airways Joins Star Alliance|work=The New York Times|date=2 June 2004|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00F14F63E540C718CDDAF0894DB404482|access-date=20 October 2010}} becoming its second US-based airline. In November Adria Airways, Blue1 and Croatia Airlines joined the alliance as its first three regional members.{{cite web|title=Croatia Airlines To Join Star Alliance|publisher=Star Alliance|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/member-airline-details?airlineCode=OU|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=10 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210150223/http://www.staralliance.com/en/member-airline-details?airlineCode=OU|url-status=live}}

Although Star Alliance invited Lineas Aereas Azteca in 2005 to join in mid-2007, the airline filed for bankruptcy. TAP Air Portugal joined on 14 March 2005, adding African destinations to the network.{{Cite news|title=TAP brings Star Alliance new Africa destinations|work=The New York Times|date=15 March 2005|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/travel/14iht-travel15.html?_r=1|access-date=22 October 2010|archive-date=13 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513031714/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/travel/14iht-travel15.html?_r=1|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=TAP Air Portugal joins Star Alliance|publisher=AsiaTravelTips.com|date=15 March 2005|url=http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news05/153-StarAlliance.shtml|access-date=22 October 2010|archive-date=7 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707174840/http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news05/153-StarAlliance.shtml|url-status=live}} In April 2006, Swiss International Air Lines, the alliance's sixth European airline, and South African Airways (its first African carrier) became the 17th and 18th members.{{cite web|title=Press release 07.04.2006|website=Swiss.com|url=https://www.swiss.com/corporate/EN/media/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-20060407|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230336/https://www.swiss.com/corporate/EN/media/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-20060407|url-status=live}}

By May 2007, Star Alliance's 10th anniversary, its members had a combined 16,000 daily departures to 855 destinations in 155 countries and served 406 million passengers annually. The alliance introduced Biosphere Connections, a partnership with UNESCO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands to promote environmental sustainability.{{Cite press release|title=Star Alliance Celebrates 10 Years|publisher=Star Alliance|date=14 May 2007|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/star-alliance-celebrates-10-years-prp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/star-alliance-celebrates-10-years-prp/|archive-date=17 October 2015|access-date=23 October 2010}}{{cite web|title=Star Alliance Partners with Global Environmental Organisations|publisher=UNESCO|date=14 May 2007|url=http://www.unesco.org/mab/doc/brs/StarAllianceRelease.pdf|access-date=22 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821170615/http://www.unesco.org/mab/doc/brs/StarAllianceRelease.pdf|archive-date=21 August 2010|url-status=dead}}

{{Blockquote|Today, nearly 30% of global air travellers use the services of our member carriers or, looking at it from an overall industry perspective, two-thirds of worldwide air travellers use one of the three airline alliances.|Jaan Albrecht, former Star Alliance CEO{{Cite news|title=Star Alliance marks 10th anniversary with Copenhagen event |publisher=Star Alliance |date=6 January 2006 |url=http://www.starallianceemployees.com/uploads/media/NetworkOnline_JUN2007_02.pdf |access-date=8 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105004544/http://www.starallianceemployees.com/uploads/media/NetworkOnline_JUN2007_02.pdf |archive-date=5 November 2013}}}}

VARIG left the alliance on 31 January 2007,{{Cite news|title=VARIG to leave Star Alliance|publisher=Boarding.no|date=31 January 2007|url=http://www.boarding.no/art.asp?id=24621|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.boarding.no/art.asp?id=24621|archive-date=17 October 2015|access-date=22 October 2010}} and the two Chinese airlines, Air China and Shanghai Airlines, joined on 12 December.{{Cite news|title=Air China|publisher=Star Alliance|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/air-china_airlines/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018013618/http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/air-china_airlines/|archive-date=18 October 2015}}

On 1 April 2008, Turkish Airlines joined the alliance after a 15-month integration process beginning in December 2006, becoming its 20th member.{{Cite press release|title=Turkish Airlines joins Star Alliance|publisher=Turkish Airlines|date=1 April 2008|url=http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/corporate/press-room/press-releases/press-release-detail/turkish-airlines-joins-star-alliance|access-date=8 October 2015|archive-date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223000518/http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/corporate/press-room/press-releases/press-release-detail/turkish-airlines-joins-star-alliance|url-status=dead}} EgyptAir, Egypt's national airline and Star Alliance's second African carrier, joined on 11 July 2008.{{Cite news|title=Star Alliance soon to welcome Egypt Air|publisher=eTravel Blackboard|date=13 June 2008|url=http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?id=78736&nav=2|access-date=22 October 2010|archive-date=10 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710203633/http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?id=78736&nav=2|url-status=live}}

On 27 October 2009, Continental Airlines became the 25th member of Star Alliance after leaving SkyTeam three days earlier. According to alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht, "Bringing Continental Airlines into Star Alliance has been a truly unique experience. This is the first time an airline has moved directly from one alliance to another, and I would like to thank all those involved in ensuring a smooth switch". At the time, it was rumored that the switch was Continental's first move in a planned merger with United Airlines.{{Cite news|title=Continental plans United tie-up; will leave SkyTeam for Star Alliance|work=The Times|location=UK|date=20 June 2008|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/business/article4180450.ece|access-date=17 November 2010|first=Mark|last=Frary|archive-date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629123130/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/business/article4180450.ece|url-status=dead}} Two months later, Brussels Airlines joined the alliance.[https://web.archive.org/web/20131104012856/http://company.brusselsairlines.com/en_be/corp/alliances/star-alliance.aspx]. Company.brusselsairlines.com. Retrieved on 8 October 2015.

File:Star Alliance tails at Tokyo Narita Airport - Thai, United, Swiss and SAS.jpg: Thai, United, Swiss and SAS (the latter is no longer part of the alliance)]]

Brazilian carrier TAM Airlines joined Star Alliance on 13 May 2010,{{Cite press release|title=TAM Airlines Joins Star Alliance|publisher=Star Alliance|date=13 May 2010|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/tam-launch-prp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/tam-launch-prp/|archive-date=17 October 2015|access-date=23 October 2010}} increasing its foothold in South America.{{Cite news| title=SkyTeam looking for new partners in Latin America, Asia and Africa| publisher=eTurboNews| date=23 June 2010| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2216629520100622| access-date=23 June 2010| archive-date=26 June 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626083711/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2216629520100622| url-status=live}} Aegean Airlines, Greece's largest airline by number of passengers, joined on 30 June.{{Cite press release|title=Aegean Airlines Joins Star Alliance Network|publisher=Star Alliance|date=30 June 2010|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/agean-prp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928050831/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/agean-prp/|archive-date=28 September 2015|access-date=23 October 2010}}

Shanghai Airlines left the alliance on 31 October 2010 when it merged with China Eastern Airlines, a SkyTeam member.{{Cite news|title=Shanghai Airlines to Leave Star Alliance at End of October, Xinhua Reports|publisher=Bloomberg|date=29 July 2010|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-29/shanghai-airlines-to-leave-star-alliance-at-end-of-october-xinhua-reports.html|access-date=26 October 2010|archive-date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629023313/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-29/shanghai-airlines-to-leave-star-alliance-at-end-of-october-xinhua-reports.html|url-status=live}} On 29 September, the chief executive board approved Ethiopian Airlines as Star Alliance's 30th member, though Ethiopian did not officially join the alliance until December of the following year.{{Cite press release|title=Ethiopian Airlines Accepted as Future Star Alliance Member Carrier|publisher=Star Alliance|date=29 September 2010|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/ethopia-star-prp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004165126/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/ethopia-star-prp/|archive-date=4 October 2015|access-date=23 October 2010}}Ethiopian Joins Star Alliance Aviation News February 2012 page 11 In 2010 the alliance flew to 1,172 airports in 181 countries, with about 21,200 daily departures.

Since 2011, the alliance has gained several large members, but it has lost others due to collapse or mergers. On 13 December 2011, Ethiopian Airlines joined, adding five countries and 24 destinations to the alliance's map.{{cite web|title=Ethiopian Airlines Joins Star Alliance|publisher=Star Alliance|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/ethiopian-nci-prp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/ethiopian-nci-prp/|archive-date=17 October 2015}}

2012 and 2013 were tumultuous years for Star Alliance, starting with two key departures but ending with a major move into Latin America. In Europe, Spanair ceased operations, and BMI left after being acquired by International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of Oneworld members Iberia and British Airways. BMI was integrated into British Airways.{{cite web|title=BMI Formally Leaves Star Alliance|publisher=Star Alliance|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/bmi-removal-prp/|access-date=21 April 2012|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225005821/https://www.staralliance.com/en/latest-news|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Spanair Ceases Operations|publisher=Upgrd.com|url=http://upgrd.com/matthew/spanair-ceases-operations.html|date=27 January 2012|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303083032/http://upgrd.com/matthew/spanair-ceases-operations.html|url-status=dead}} In North America, Continental merged with United Airlines, reducing Star Alliance's membership further, even if it effectively remained in the alliance after the merger.{{cite web|title=A message for customers traveling on March 3|website=hub.united.com|publisher=United Airlines|url=https://hub.united.com/en-us/news/company-operations/pages/important-information-for-travel-on-march3.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/https://hub.united.com/en-us/news/company-operations/pages/important-information-for-travel-on-march3.aspx|archive-date=17 October 2015|date=3 March 2012}} On 21 June, though, Avianca, TACA Airlines and Copa Airlines joined, massively increasing the alliance's Latin American presence.{{cite web|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/cmavta-joining-prp/|title=Avianca, TACA Airlines and Copa Airlines John Star Alliance|date=17 October 2015|publisher=Star Alliance|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/cmavta-joining-prp/|archive-date=17 October 2015}} In November, Blue1 left after becoming an affiliate of parent Scandinavian Airlines.{{cite web|title=Blue1 to leave Star Alliance by end of November|publisher=Ch-Aviation|url=http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/14323-blue-1-to-leave-star-alliance-by-end-of-november|access-date=14 October 2015|archive-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/14323-blue-1-to-leave-star-alliance-by-end-of-november|url-status=live}} and Shenzhen Airlines joined, augmenting Air China's Chinese network.{{cite web|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/zh-joining-prp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004161123/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/zh-joining-prp|archive-date=4 October 2015 |title=Shenzhen Airlines Joins |publisher=Star Alliance |date=29 November 2012 |access-date=22 March 2013}} Taiwanese carrier EVA Air then joined on 18 June 2013, and after TACA's integration into Avianca, the alliance grew to 28 members, making it the largest of the three major airline alliances.{{cite web|title=EVA Air Joins the Star Alliance|publisher=Star Alliance|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/eva-air-br-prp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/eva-air-br-prp/|archive-date=17 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/avianca-taca-primes-for-re-branding-and-intensifying-competition-with-latam-100976|title=Avianca-TACA primes for re-branding and intensifying competition with LATAM|publisher=CentreforAviation.com|date=13 March 2013|access-date=30 December 2015|archive-date=5 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105155852/http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/avianca-taca-primes-for-re-branding-and-intensifying-competition-with-latam-100976|url-status=live}} On 13 December, Air India was again invited to begin an integration process with Star Alliance and joined the alliance on 11 July 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/ceb1-prp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/ceb1-prp/|archive-date=17 October 2015|title=Star Alliance and Air India Recommence Integration Process |publisher=Star Alliance |date=13 December 2013 |access-date=13 December 2013}}

Following this string of expansions, 2014 opened with two major departures through mergers. First, Brazilian carrier TAM Airlines merged with LAN Airlines to become LATAM Airlines Group, leaving the alliance without a presence in the world's fifth-largest country.{{cite web|url=http://www.businesstravelnews.com/Worldwide-Travel/Brazilian-carrier-Tam-Airlines-announced-that-it-will-leave-Star-Alliance-to-join-Oneworld-on-March-31,-2014/?ib=Airlines&a=trans|title=Brazilian carrier TAM Airlines announced it will leave Star Alliance to join Oneworld|date=4 October 2013 |publisher=BusinessTravelNews.com|access-date=9 October 2015|archive-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.businesstravelnews.com/Worldwide-Travel/Brazilian-carrier-Tam-Airlines-announced-that-it-will-leave-Star-Alliance-to-join-Oneworld-on-March-31,-2014/?ib=Airlines&a=trans|url-status=live}} Next, US Airways completed its merger with American Airlines and also left the alliance.{{cite web|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/tam-us-leaving-prp/|title=US Airways and TAM leave Star Alliance|date=31 March 2014|publisher=Star Alliance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/tam-us-leaving-prp/|archive-date=17 October 2015|access-date=13 April 2014}} Both parent companies stayed with Oneworld. On 24 June, though, the alliance finally approved Air India, which joined on 11 July, leaving the alliance at 27 members.{{cite web|last1=Mutzabaugh|first1=Ben|title=Star Alliance OKs Air India membership|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2014/06/24/star-alliance-oks-air-india-membership/11306207/|website=USA Today|access-date=25 June 2014|archive-date=25 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625042740/http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2014/06/24/star-alliance-oks-air-india-membership/11306207/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Sinha|first1=Saurabh|title=Air India joins Star Alliance, flyers to benefit from today|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Air-India-joins-Star-Alliance-flyers-to-benefit-from-today/articleshow/38209011.cms|website=Times of India|date=11 July 2014|access-date=6 September 2015|archive-date=2 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002003640/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Air-India-joins-Star-Alliance-flyers-to-benefit-from-today/articleshow/38209011.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Star Alliance Chief Executive Board Approves Air India Membership|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/airindia-2014-prp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/airindia-2014-prp/|archive-date=17 October 2015|website=Star Alliance|date=24 June 2014|access-date=6 September 2015}}{{cite web|title=Air India becomes a permanent member of Star Alliance|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/06/air-india-joins-star-alliance-group-of-airlines/|work=IANS|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=24 June 2014|archive-date=26 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626044521/http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/06/air-india-joins-star-alliance-group-of-airlines/|url-status=live}}

Future expansion centers around the addition of Connecting Partners, subsidiaries or partners of alliance members which will add connectivity to the alliance without becoming full members. Avianca Brasil joined in this way on 22 July 2015, bringing the alliance back into the Brazilian market and partially filling the void left by TAM.{{cite web|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/aviancabrazil-prp/|title=Avianca Brasil Joins Star Alliance Network|date=22 July 2015|publisher=Star Alliance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004164606/http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/aviancabrazil-prp/|archive-date=4 October 2015|access-date=6 September 2015}} South African Airways' low-cost subsidiary, Mango, was initially announced to join as a Connecting Partner in Q3 2016,{{cite web|date=9 December 2015|url=http://www.staralliance.com/ja/news-article?newsArticleId=606874|title=Star Alliance Launches Connecting Partner Model to Expand Network Reach Via Low-cost and Hybrid Airlines South African Airline Mango to be First Airline to Implement|access-date=14 February 2016|archive-date=18 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518083218/https://www.staralliance.com/ja/news-article?newsArticleId=606874|url-status=live}} but has since been delayed. Juneyao Airlines, which codeshares with Shenzhen Airlines, joined as a Connecting Partner on 23 May 2017.{{cite press release|title=Star Alliance and Juneyao Seal Partnership|date=10 October 2016|publisher=Star Alliance|location=Shanghai, China|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=119655972|access-date=14 November 2016|archive-date=10 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010225431/http://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=119655972|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/48166-chinas-juneyao-airlines-eyes-star-alliances-cpm|title=China's Juneyao Airlines eyes Star Alliance's CPM|date=31 July 2016|publisher=ch-aviation|access-date=12 September 2016|archive-date=10 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010184425/http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/48166-chinas-juneyao-airlines-eyes-star-alliances-cpm|url-status=live}}{{cite press release |title=Juneyao Airlines Becomes First Airline to Expand Star Alliance Network Under Connecting Partner Model |url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=385923712 |location=Shanghai, China |publisher=Star Alliance |date=23 May 2017 |access-date=1 June 2017 |archive-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809091155/http://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=385923712 |url-status=live }} On 20 August 2019, Star Alliance announced affiliate member Avianca Brasil's exit from the alliance from 1 September 2019. The departure, however, won't affect Avianca's membership.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/avianca-brazil-to-exit-star-alliance.html|title=Avianca Brazil to Exit Star Alliance – FlyerTalk – The world's most popular frequent flyer community|language=en-US|date=20 August 2019|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821013148/https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/avianca-brazil-to-exit-star-alliance.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=443302063&groupId=20184|title=Press – Star Alliance|website=www.staralliance.com|language=en-GB|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821013153/https://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=443302063&groupId=20184|url-status=live}} On 30 September 2019, Adria Airways ceased operations, and the airline exited the alliance on 2 October 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=443314551&groupId=20184|title=Adria Airways Leaves Star Alliance|website=Star Alliance|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=26 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026074720/https://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=443314551&groupId=20184|url-status=live}}

The now-defunct regional subsidiary of Thai Airways, Thai Smile joined as a Connecting Partner in February 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=443275288&groupId=20184|title=Press – Star Alliance|website=www.staralliance.com|language=en-GB|access-date=31 July 2019|archive-date=14 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814080125/https://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=443275288&groupId=20184|url-status=live}} In January 2024, the Thai Smile brand was discontinued and folded into the parent airline as a result of the reorganization of Thai Airways International following bankruptcy.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-05 |title=THAI will cover Thai Smile's routes after budget airline shuts down in January |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40032559 |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=nationthailand |language=en}}

On 16 November 2020, Asiana Airlines announced their plans to exit the alliance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/asiana-s-exit-from-star-alliance-to-bolster-korean-air-delta-jv|title=Asiana's exit from Star Alliance to bolster Korean Air, Delta JV|date=20 August 2021 |access-date=4 September 2021|archive-date=4 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904142354/https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/asiana-s-exit-from-star-alliance-to-bolster-korean-air-delta-jv|url-status=live}} Asiana will merge with Korean Air, the South Korean Government confirmed, in a $1.6 billion acquisition by the SkyTeam member.{{cite web |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20201116000458 |last=Yonhap |date=November 16, 2020 |title=Korean Air to buy indebted Asiana, emerging as world's 10th-largest airline |work=The Korea Herald |access-date=November 24, 2020 |archive-date=24 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124151158/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20201116000458 |url-status=live }} After the US Department of Justice approved the merger in December 2024, the merger was completed and Asiana Airlines became a subsidiary of Korean Air. No date was given when the airline will depart Star Alliance, until Asiana will end its 38 years of operation and will be integrated into Korean Air in early 2027.{{Cite web |last=Jeffrey |first=Rebecca |date=2024-12-05 |title=Reports: US approves Korean takeover of Asiana |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/business/acquisitions/reports-us-approves-korean-takeover-of-asiana/ |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=Air Cargo News |language=en}}

In 2022, Lufthansa Group announced plans to buy a 41% stake in ITA Airways, a SkyTeam member.{{Cite web |title=Lufthansa Group finalizes 41 percent stake in ITA Airways |url=https://newsroom.lufthansagroup.com/en/lufthansa-group-finalizes-41-percent-stake-in-ita-airways/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Lufthansa Group finalizes 41 percent stake in ITA Airways |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Cusmano |first=Joe |date=February 2022 |title=MSC and Lufthansa Offer to Buy ITA Airways |url=https://www.traveldailymedia.com/msc-and-lufthansa-offer-to-buy-ita-airways/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205081757/https://www.traveldailymedia.com/msc-and-lufthansa-offer-to-buy-ita-airways/ |archive-date=5 February 2022 |access-date=5 February 2022 |magazine=Travel Daily |location=London}} The European Commission approved the group's purchase of ITA's 41% stake in July 2024.{{cite news |last1=Chee |first1=Foo Yun |last2=Wissenbach |first2=Ilona |last3=Amante |first3=Amate |date=3 July 2024 |title=Lufthansa gets EU nod to buy $350 million stake in Italy's ITA |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/lufthansa-wins-conditional-eu-nod-350-mln-ita-deal-2024-07-03/ |access-date=7 July 2024 |work=Reuters}} On 3 February 2025, ITA Airways announced that it has left SkyTeam following the acquisition by Lufthansa Group. ITA Airways will join Star Alliance during the first half of 2026.{{cite news |last1=Berberi |first1=Leonard |title=Ita Airways, Spohr (Lufthansa): "Due anni per il rilancio, la compagnia tornerà in utile. Dal governo italiano l'aiuto decisivo" |url=https://www.corriere.it/economia/trasporti/aerei/24_luglio_03/spohr-8044ae0f-7675-4dcd-b173-4774a5316xlk.shtml |access-date=7 July 2024 |work=Corriere della Sera |language=Italian}}

On October 2023, as a part of the restructuring of Scandinavian Airlines' parent company SAS Group, Air France-KLM, along with the Government of Denmark and two financial firms announced plans to invest in Scandinavian Airlines. In March 2024, US Bankruptcy Court approved the investment along with Stockholm District Court in 12 June 2024 and European Commission on 28 June 2024. As a result of the investment, Scandinavian Airlines left Star Alliance on 31 August 2024 and joined SkyTeam on 1 September 2024.{{Cite web |title=SAS reaches major milestone in SAS FORWARD – announces the winning consortium, including details of the transaction structure - SAS |url=https://www.sasgroup.net/newsroom/press-releases/2023/sas-reaches-major-milestone-in-sas-forward--announces-the-winning-consortium-including-details-of-the-transaction-structure/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=www.sasgroup.net |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=SAS to join SkyTeam Alliance |url=https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/press-releases/press-releases-2024/sas-to-join-skyteam-alliance/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=www.skyteam.com}}In Brief Airliner World June 2024 page 7

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{{note label|Founders|A|A|Founding member.}}

{{note label|Operator|B|B|Affiliate is a wholly owned subsidiary that operates flights for its parent company (the member) under a different name.}}

{{note label|Majority owned subsidiary|C|C|Affiliate is a majority owned subsidiary of its parent company (the member) under a different name.}}

{{note label|Air Canada|D|D|Air Canada Express flights are operated by Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines.}}

{{note label|Scoot|E|E|Scoot is a member of the Value Alliance.}}

{{note label|TAP Air Portugal|F|F|TAP Express flights are operated by Portugália Airlines.}}

{{note label|United Airlines|G|G|United Express flights are operated by CommuteAir, GoJet Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Republic Airways and SkyWest Airlines.}}

{{note label|Lufthansa Group|H|H|Part of the Lufthansa Group, which owns Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines.}}

{{Clear}}

Since August 2022, the German railway provider Deutsche Bahn has been the first intermodal partner of the Star Alliance, whose airlines have been able to assign their own flight numbers for trains.{{cite web |url= https://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=4540544&groupId=20184 |title= Star Alliance Intermodal Partnership |publisher=Star Alliance}}{{cite web |url=https://www.aviation24.be/alliances/star-alliance/german-railway-operator-deutsche-bahn-joins-star-alliance/ |title=Deutsche Bahn joins Star Alliance |date=29 June 2022 |publisher=Aviation24.be}} In March 2025, Austrian Federal Railways became the second intermodal partner.{{cite web |url= https://www.staralliance.com/en/news-article?newsArticleId=4959969&groupId=20184 |title= Star Alliance Enhances Intermodal Connectivity with Austria’s ÖBB |publisher=Star Alliance}}

Status miles can be earned across all Star Alliance member airlines’ frequent flyer programs using a single frequent flyer card, allowing members to attain Star Alliance Silver status or progress to Gold status. Membership in any Star Alliance airline program grants full access to the entire Star Alliance network without the need to register with any additional program.

The more a customer flies on the Star Alliance network, the faster miles or points can be earned, which can be used redeem for a reward ticket or upgrade, along with several other rewards in specific airlines. Customers will have to provide their frequent flyer number when booking flights or when checking in whenever they fly with any Star Alliance member airline in eligible booking classes, for miles or points to be credited to their account.

The higher-tier status levels of each member airline’s frequent flyer programs are aligned with the two uniformly recognized Star Alliance status levels: Star Alliance Silver and Star Alliance Gold. These two status levels entitle special Star Alliance premium customer benefits and privileges. Several programs have premium statuses beyond Gold, but these statuses are still considered under Gold status within the overall Star Alliance network.

Star Alliance Silver grants customers within the frequent-flyer program access to priority reservations waitlist and priority airport stand-by.{{Cite web|title=The complete guide to Star Alliance|url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/star-alliance-guide-australia|access-date=2020-10-29|website=Executive Traveller|language=en|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125221308/https://www.executivetraveller.com/star-alliance-guide-australia|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Star Alliance: Benefits and Privileges |url=https://www.staralliance.com/en/benefits-and-privileges |access-date=2024-03-27}} Star Alliance Gold is given to customers who have reached a higher level of a member airline's frequent-flyer program. Benefits are priority reservations waitlist, airport stand-by, check-in and baggage handling; an additional checked luggage allowance of {{convert|20|kg}} (or one extra piece, where the piece rule applies), and access to designated Star Alliance Gold lounges the day and place of departure with the presentation of a Star Alliance boarding pass. Some airlines also offer preferred seating (an exit seat or a special section of the plane); guaranteed seating on fully booked flights, subject to the booking class code and notice period, and free upgrades in the form of a voucher, certificate or automatic upgrade at check-in. United restricts US lounge access for their Gold Members to long-haul international passengers; Gold members from other carriers are welcome in US lounges run by United on all itineraries.

It is possible to join multiple member airline frequent flyer programmes. However, as they are each managed separately, miles or points can neither be transferred between programs nor be consolidated into a single program. Therefore, using a single frequent flyer programme provides a faster path towards attaining Star Alliance Silver or Star Alliance Gold.{{cite web|url=https://www.staralliance.com/en/earn|title=Earn|publisher=Star Alliance|access-date=15 April 2024}}

The common use of codeshare agreements led to suspicions of anti-competitive behavior. The European Union suspected the alliance of operating as a virtual merger of its members, with speculation that, if regulations were relaxed, the members might merge into one corporation.{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/speeches/text/sp1999678_en.html |title=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 |publisher=Ec.europa.eu |date=5 November 1999 |access-date=5 April 2012 |archive-date=27 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327234631/http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/speeches/text/sp1999678_en.html |url-status=live }}

In 2004, Star Alliance introduced a "regional" concept to expand its reach through smaller regional carriers. To join, these regional members needed sponsorship from an existing alliance member. The alliance no longer labels airlines as "regional" members, instead referring to all 27 airlines simply as "members."{{cite web|url=http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304191248/http://www.staralliance.com/en/about/airlines/ |archive-date=4 March 2013 |title=Member Airlines |publisher=Staralliance.com |access-date=5 April 2012}}

Some Star Alliance members paint some of their aircraft with the alliance livery, usually a white fuselage with "Star Alliance" across it and a black tail fin with the alliance logo; the color or design of the engine cowlings or winglets remains, depending on the member's livery. Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand were two exceptions: Singapore Airlines formerly kept its logo on the tails of its aircraft, but now uses the Star Alliance logo on white tails, while Air New Zealand now uses full black livery with reversed colored original Star Alliance livery elements. Asiana Airlines was the first Star Alliance member to paint its aircraft in the current Star Alliance livery.{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/star-alliance-launches-new-aircraft-livery-76949637.html|title=Star Alliance Launches New Aircraft Livery; New Member Asiana Airlines to Premiere Bold New Design|publisher=PRNewsWire|date=22 November 2002|access-date=8 October 2015|archive-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017230335/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/star-alliance-launches-new-aircraft-livery-76949637.html|url-status=live}} Aircraft painted in an airline's regular livery have the Star Alliance logo between the cockpit and the first set of cabin doors, except double deck airliner like Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, which printed Star Alliance logo behind cockpit, and airliner with narrow space between the cockpit and the cabin door like the McDonnell Douglas DC-9\MD-80 and Comac C909, which printed the Star Alliance logo under the cockpit or on the first cabin door.

File:9V-SWI@PEK (20180628091729).jpg|Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER in Star Alliance livery with white tail.

File:JA8290 B767-381 ANA All Nippon Aws(Star All) ITM 25MAY03 (8502139845).jpg|A former All Nippon Airways Boeing 767-300 wearing an earlier Star Alliance livery.

File:SAS Scandinavian Airlines Airbus A320N SE-ROY (2).jpg|An SAS A320neo in regular livery showing the Star Alliance logo behind the cockpit windows.

File:N76021 JFK Taxiing Out 22R UA B777 224 ER Star Alliance Small - Flickr - MAB757200.png|United Airlines Boeing 777-200ER in Star Alliance livery.

File:VT-ANU B788 Air India Star Alliance livery DME (2) (33259690292) (2).jpg|An Air India Boeing 787-8 in Star Alliance livery

On 24 June 2024, Star Alliance was voted for two top awards by Skytrax; 2024 World's Best Airline Alliance and Best Airline Alliance Lounge.{{Cite web |last=James.Plaisted@skytrax.uk |date=2024-06-24 |title=Qatar Airways World's Best Airline at 2024 World Airline Awards |url=https://www.worldairlineawards.com/qatar-airways-is-named-the-worlds-best-airline-at-2024-world-airline-awards/ |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=SKYTRAX |language=en}}

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{{cite web|title=Star Alliance Facts & Figures|publisher= Star Alliance|date=August 2019|url= https://www.staralliance.com/documents/20184/680657/Star+Alliance+Facts+and+Figures.pdf/39a88cb5-ae7c-6a52-f67f-ddae83e4a43a?t=1568388329319|access-date=18 August 2019}}

{{cite web|title=Member Airlines|publisher=Star Alliance|url=http://www.staralliance.com/member-airlines|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=29 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229235135/http://www.staralliance.com/member-airlines|url-status=live}}

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Category:Airline alliances

Category:Companies based in Frankfurt

Category:1997 establishments in Germany

Category:1997 in aviation