Press Release 1999

The Star Alliance network welcomes new member airlines

The member airlines of Star Alliance today welcomed Ansett Australia and Air New Zealand into their global network, which now extends to more than 720 destinations in more than 110 countries.

For travellers around the world, the new member airlines open up a wide range of connections in and to Australia, New Zealand and throughout Asia-Pacific, where the benefits of Star Alliance affiliation will now be honoured. Qualifying frequent flyer miles accumulated on flights offered by Ansett Australia and Air New Zealand will now be counted toward Star Alliance Gold and Silver status in whichever Star Alliance frequent flyer programme one belongs. Similarly, flights on Air Canada, Lufthansa German Airlines, SAS - Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways International, United Airlines and Varig Brazilian Airlines will count toward higher status in Air New Zealand's Air Points programme and Ansett Australia's Global Rewards programme. This status is recognized by all Star Alliance members.

In addition to Air New Zealand, Ansett Australia and the six other member airlines, ANA - All Nippon Airways of Japan will be joining the Star Alliance network in October 1999.

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