Press Release 2004

Blue1 launched as first Star Alliance regional member 

Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, today announced that Finnish airline Blue1 has joined as the first regional member of the world’s leading alliance.
“We are very proud to be the first regional member of Star Alliance,” said   Sveneric Persson, President and CEO Blue1. “Our membership in the world’s leading alliance provides more options and more benefits to passengers flying into or out of Finland.”
 “As of October 31 Blue1 offers customers the same advantages as our full member carriers including full frequent flyer benefits, lounge access, and through check-in, just to name a few,” said Jaan Albrecht, CEO, Star Alliance. “This is an important first step in the implementation of our strategy to extend network reach to important regional markets.”

In order to become a regional member, aside from meeting certain requirements, the prospective carrier must be sponsored by and have close ties to an existing member to achieve a quick and easy integration. The sponsoring airline represents the regional member within the alliance. As Blue1 is owned by Star Alliance member carrier Scandinavian Airlines, these prerequisites are fulfilled.
Blue1 operates more than 110 flights per day. The fleet, one of the youngest in Europe, consists of nine Avro RJ and five Saab 2000 aircraft. In 2004 Blue1 is expected to carry 1.1 million passengers between Finland and Scandinavia and Europe.
Adria Airways and Croatia Airlines have also been approved for regional membership to improve the Star Alliance network offering to and from south-eastern Europe. Joining dates for those two carriers have yet to be finalised.
The Star Alliance network 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, US Airways and VARIG Brazilian Airlines. South African Airways and TAP Air Portugal are set to join in 2005. Overall, the member carriers offer more than 14,000 daily flights to 772 destinations in 133 countries.

To download supporting documents, use one of the links below or use the right hand button on the mouse.