Press Releases 2002

Star Alliance confirms "business as usual" at United 
United Airlines’ filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection will have no impact on its membership in Star Alliance. United will continue to honor its obligations to the alliance, including bilateral code-share agreements, frequent flyer agreements and lounge access agreements, and will maintain a comprehensive schedule of flights across its vast domestic and international route network.

Star Alliance launches new aircraft
Asiana Airlines will become the first airline to showcase an airplane with the new Star Alliance promotional aircraft livery when the Korean carrier officially joins The Airline Network for Earth in March, 2003.

Star Alliance voted best airline alliance in U.S. Business Traveler magazine poll
Star Alliance™, the airline network for Earth, took home a clear victory as the best airline alliance in a readers’ poll conducted by the prestigious U.S. monthly magazine Business Traveler.

Star Alliance welcomes landmark EU decision
The European Commission’s official approval of the cooperation between Star Alliance members Lufthansa, SAS and United in the transatlantic market is a landmark decision that will allow the airlines to work more closely together and strengthen their competitiveness.

Star Alliance CEO: Airline alliances "an absolute essential"
“Airline alliances are no longer just nice to have. With their stabilizing effect in the present times of uncertainty and economic climate they are an absolute essential,” said Jaan Albrecht, CEO of Star Alliance, in a speech at The Aviation Club of the UK in London today.

Star Alliance introduces Circle Pacific Fare
Star Alliance™, the airline network for Earth, has launched a new fare product that offers a unique opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of the Pacific for up to six months on a mileage based ticket that is certain to attract even the most price conscious globetrotters.

Deal signed with Rockwell Collins
Star Alliance, the world’s leading airline alliance, has signed an agreement with Rockwell Collins, (NYSE: COL) a global leader in aviation electronics and communications, to establish a new strategic sourcing relationship.

Star Alliance Conventions Plus a success with event organizers
Star Alliance Conventions Plus™, the global convention product of “the airline network for Earth,” has got off to a flying start. Less than six months after launch Conventions Plus* has already landed agreements with organizers of events totaling almost 50,000 delegates.

Star Alliance member airlines launch comprehensive new frequent flyer awards
Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth, has completed the launch of Star Alliance Awards across all airlines in the alliance, with UK member bmi making final system adjustments and scheduled to introduce the program over the next few weeks.

Star Alliance introduces airpass for North America, Mexico and the Caribbean
Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth, has introduced an airpass for North America, Mexico and the Caribbean as a follow-up to its highly successful European airpass.

Star Alliance launches frequent flyer initiatives in Australia
Star Alliance frequent flyers in Australia now have the opportunity to earn 5,000 bonus miles every time they fly on a Star Alliance member airline departing from Australia.

Star Alliance joins SITA's WorldTracer baggage system
Star Alliance™, the airline network for Earth, is to use SITA’s WorldTracer baggage information system to help its member airlines further improve customer service and staff efficiency by monitoring the performance of baggage handling. This marks the first alliance-wide agreement to use the service.

Star Alliance welcomes Asiana, LOT and Spanair to its roster of world class airlines
Carriers to join over the next 12 months
The Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance, assembled in Shanghai in The People’s Republic of China for its ordinary semi-annual CEB meeting, today approved the addition of three new members to the global airline group.

Star Alliance launches downloadable timetable for pocket PCs
Star Alliance™, the airline network for Earth, continues to introduce new customer benefits as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver a smooth travel experience across all member carriers.

Star Alliance 5th anniversary offer: Fly 5 airlines and earn up to 55,555 bonus miles
Star Alliance™, the airline network for Earth, will be offering its customers a fitting „birthday present“ as the global airline grouping celebrates its fifth anniversary in May.

Star Alliance announces enhancements to Conventions Plus product 
Star Alliance™, the airline network for Earth, is introducing an enhanced global convention product that will allow conference delegates from around the world to enjoy travel discounts and frequent flyer benefits on Star Alliance member carriers.

Star Alliance breaks ground on new airport concourse in Miami
Star Alliance, the world’s leading airline alliance, today broke ground on a dedicated Star Alliance concourse at Miami International Airport.