Press Releases 2003

Star Alliance welcomes Air Canada Fleet acquisition
Star Alliance member Air Canada today has announced that it has reached agreements in principle to purchase 45 Bombardier and 45 Embraer aircraft as part of its previously announced North American fleet strategy.

Star Alliance announces global electronic ticketing
The member airlines of Star Alliance, the global airline network, have today agreed on a plan to implement global electronic ticketing capabilities by the end of 2004.

Star Alliance creates Fuel Purchasing Entity
The chief executives of the Star Alliance today announced the foundation of a joint company to manage the procurement of jet fuel at selected airports around the world.

Star Alliance is supporting Japan's efforts to promote tourism from overseas
The chief executives of the Star Alliance today announced Star Alliance Visit Japan Campaign 2004, developed in support of the "Yokoso Japan" (Welcome to Japan) campaign introduced recently by the Japanese government to increase tourism from overseas.

Star Alliance wins third award as 'Best Airline Alliance' for 2003
Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth, won its third award of 2003 by being voted 'Best Airline Alliance', at the Best in Business Travel Awards sponsored by U.S.-based Business Traveler magazine.

Star Alliance and Mexicana Airlines agree to termination of membership
All members of the Star Alliance in a meeting of its Alliance Management Board have today mutually agreed that Mexicana Airlines membership will end March 31, 2004.

Star Alliance to discuss termination of membership of Mexicana Airlines
The members of Star AllianceTM have today agreed to discuss a termination of the membership of Mexicana Airlines in the global alliance at the next regular Alliance Management Board meeting on November 13 in Frankfurt, Germany.

LOT Polish Airlines enhances Star Alliance's global leadership position
Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth, today welcomed LOT Polish Airlines as its 15th member, further extending its worldwide network, particularly into Eastern Europe.

Star Alliance voted 'Best Airline Alliance' in Business Traveller Awards for 2003
Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth, has been voted ‘Best Airline Alliance’, at the prestigious Business Traveller annual awards held in London today. Readers of Business Traveller magazine judged Star Alliance, the world’s leading airline alliance, to be better than its competitors in this year’s poll.

Star Alliance network continues to lead
The latest world air transportation statistics (WATS) published by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) show that Star Alliance, the airline network for earth, continues to lead the competition in virtually every category.

Star Alliance launches travel information feature
Star Alliance, the airline network for earth, today introduced a comprehensive travel information section on its website staralliance.com which adds to a growing list of on-line services designed for international travellers.

Star Alliance selects SITA to create first global IP community network for an airline alliance
Star Alliance, the world's leading airline alliance and SITA, the world's leading provider of network and communications solutions to the air transport industry, have signed an agreement to establish the first common alliance internet protocol (IP) communications infrastructure platform.

Graham Atkinson new chairman of star alliance management board
Graham Atkinson, senior vice president, worldwide sales and alliances for United Airlines, has been named chairman of Star Alliance’s Alliance Management Board (AMB), a body which oversees all alliance activities on behalf of the 16 member airlines.

Star Alliance welcomes newest member US Airways
Addition will significantly expand Star Alliance network throughout the Eastern United States
The Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance today unanimously approved the application of US Airways to join the world's largest airline alliance.

Redemption transactions skyrocket
Star Alliance, the airline network for earth, recently released statistics that confirm that Redemption Availability and Sell (RAS), a StarNet application which allows member carrier personnel to check itineraries and book Star Alliance Award travel on any member carrier, is extremely popular with customers and employees.

Star Alliance improves global technology infrastructure with Novell solution
Star Alliance, the world’s leading airline alliance, has signed an agreement with Novell Inc. to establish a new strategic sourcing relationship.

Star Alliance confirms "business as usual" at Air Canada
Airline maintains alliance network, benefits
Air Canada's filing for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) will allow it to restructure while remaining a full, participating member of Star Alliance.

Star Alliance welcomes Spanair as latest member
Spanair, the Spanish carrier that is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, will officially join Star Alliance tomorrow, April 1. With the addition of Spanair to its roster of world class airlines, Star Alliance has significantly enhanced its coverage of the Iberian peninsula and Southern Europe.

Asiana Airlines brings North Asia to Star Alliance
Star Alliance™, the airline network for Earth, is set for a major enhancement of its global coverage with the joining of Asiana Airlines on March 1, 2003. The Korean carrier will add a significant number of North Asian routes to the Star Alliance network, including its comprehensive domestic services as well as numerous routes to mainland China.

Asiana rolls out first aircraft with new Star Alliance livery
Star Alliance today rolled out the first new promotional Star Alliance “flying billboard” aircraft, a Boeing 767-300, in a special ceremony at Incheon International Airport in Seoul, Korea.

Star Alliance shows major presence at FITUR 2003
Star Alliance, the first truly global airline alliance, will maintain a high-visibility profile at FITUR 2003, the international tourism fair that takes place in Madrid January 29 – February 2.