Press Release 2004

Star Alliance introduces Japan Airpass
 
Star Alliance™, the airline network for Earth, today introduced the Japan Airpass, the fifth in a series of airpasses that offer customers value across the alliance’s extensive network.  The new product allows customers, in conjunction with an intercontinental flight on a Star Alliance member airline, to purchase up to five coupons for flights to any of 48 destinations in Japan at one very affordable price.

The Japan Airpass can be used by non-Japanese residents for domestic economy class travel on ANA or Air Nippon flights for travel until December 22, 2004 excluding March 12-31 and July 16- August 31. Customers can purchase as few as two and as many as five coupons with each coupon costing JP¥11,550 plus applicable fees and taxes. Eligible flights taken on the Japan Airpass will earn miles on the customer’s nominated Star Alliance member airline frequent flyer programme.

The Japan Airpass is one of several Star Alliance initiatives being developed in support of the “Yokoso Japan” (Welcome to Japan) campaign introduced late last year by the Japanese government to increase tourism from overseas.

Star Alliance is also developing a program designed to assist tour wholesalers in developing new Japan packages.  

“The Japan Airpass further compliments our other airpass products in Europe, North America, South Pacific and Brazil as well as our best-selling Star Alliance Round-the-World fares,” said Horst Findeisen, Vice President, Commercial – Star Alliance. “We are the only alliance that can offer this wide-reaching value to the consumer due to our superior network reach. And while the Japan Airpass is the latest, it is not the last.”

For further information, please visit www.staralliance.com.

Star Alliance was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer customers global reach and a smooth travel experience. The members are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Mexicana Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, Thai Airways International, United, and VARIG Brazilian Airlines.  US Airways is scheduled to join the alliance in 2004.

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