Press Release 2004

Star Alliance leads the way to the new European member states
 
Star Alliance, The Airline Network for Earth, offers unparalleled flight connections to the ten new member countries which are set to join the European Union on May 1, 2004. In total, the Star Alliance member carriers operate more than 1750 weekly flights to a total of 21 destinations located in the new member countries, representing a twenty percent increase in terms of flights as to summer 2003.

“Expanding the European Union will no doubt create demand for increased travel both to and from these countries. Hence, as the leading global airline alliance we provide our customers with an outstanding network serving the important destinations in these countries”, said Jaan Albrecht , CEO of Star Alliance.

With more than 800 weekly flights to Warsaw alone, the Polish capital and home to member carrier LOT Polish Airlines is by far the most important Star Alliance hub and destination in any of the new member countries.

“Historically, there has always existed a strong correlation between trade and travel. As the Star Alliance member carrier representing one the new European Union member countries, we look forward to playing a decisive role in developing air traffic in this region”, said Marek Grabarek, President & CEO of LOT Polish Airlines.

In addition to Warsaw, Star Alliance member carriers offer at least 100 weekly flights to Budapest, Prague, Gdansk and Krakow. Moreover, in making use of the strategically located hubs in Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Munich, Stockholm, Vienna and Warsaw, Star Alliance customers benefit from a comprehensive network of flights providing convenient access to destinations in the new member countries.

All in all, the Star Alliance member carriers operate at least one daily flight to all airports serving the capital cities of the new member countries.

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, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, Thai Airways International, United, and VARIG Brazilian Airlines.
US Airways is scheduled to join the alliance on May 4, 2004.

List of Destinations and Countries:

Bratislava           Slovakia
Budapest            Hungary
Bydgoszcz         Poland
Gdansk               Poland
Katowice            Poland
Kosice                Slovakia
Krakow               Poland
Larnaca              Cyprus
Ljubljana             Slovenia
Lodz                   Poland
Malta                   Malta
Poznan               Poland
Prague               Czech Republic
Riga                    Latvia
Rzeszow           Poland
Szczecin            Poland
Tallinn                 Estonia
Vilnius                Lithuania
Warsaw             Poland
Wroclaw             Poland
Zielona Gora       Poland

For further information please contact:
Star Alliance Press Office:  
Tel: +49 69 96375 183   
Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com

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