Press Release 2005

Star Alliance Member Carriers Now Flying from the New Central Japan International Airport (Nagoya)

The Star Alliance member carriers flying to Nagoya, Japan, have all switched their operations to the new Central Japan International Airport (Centrair). The move includes locating all Star Alliance carriers at Centrair under one roof and the opening of a Star Alliance lounge.
At the new single-terminal airport, the Star Alliance member carriers can now offer customers a reduced average minimum connecting time of one hour for transfers between international and domestic and vice-versa. This compares to an average minimum connecting time of more than one hour at Tokyo-Narita, rising to two hours when a change of terminal is involved.

“At Star Alliance we have always followed the strategy of using the opening of either new airports or terminal facilities to enhance the service provided to our customers. The new Centrair Airport is again a case in point and will be followed by similar announcements at other airports during the course of this year”, said Jaan Albrecht, Star Alliance CEO.

Making use of the superb transfer facilities at Centrair, the Star Alliance member carriers have revised their schedules in and out of Nagoya, in order to provide enhanced network connectivity to customers. Star Alliance Japanese member carrier ANA has, for instance, added five new domestic destinations served out of Nagoya – Fukushima, Matsuyama, Tokushima, Tottori and Yonago -, bringing the total from 17 to 22, with the number of flights rising from 51 to 63. Regional and long haul services will also be improved. Star Alliance carriers Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International currently all serve Nagoya and Air Canada is reinstating their service between Vancouver and Nagoya as of April 26, 2005, while United is scheduled to launch a new daily San Francisco – Nagoya flight as of March 26, 2005. Overall, the eleven Star Alliance member carriers serving Japan operate more than 7,000 weekly flights to, from and within the country, flying to a total of 85 domestic and international destinations and providing direct links to 17 countries from Japan. Additionally, with the opening of the new Centrair airport, Star Alliance can now offer its customers the choice of connecting through three key international airports in Japan: Centrair, Osaka – Kansai and Tokyo – Narita.
Star Alliance has also implemented its so called “Move under one roof” concept at the new Centrair airport. All member carriers are located in the same part of the terminal, sharing check-in counters and ticketing facilities.
In addition, Nagoya now boasts the second Star Alliance lounge in the world (the other being located in Zurich, Switzerland). Spread across 455 square metres and one level below the international departures concourse, the new lounge provides a total seating capacity of 110, split into a First (10) and Business Class (100) section. The elevator access to the lounge is conveniently located just 50 metres beyond passport control. All passengers travelling in either First- or Business Class on a Star Alliance member carrier operated flight or holding a Star Alliance Gold Card will gain entry into the lounge. Once inside, a wide range of services to either facilitate business or to help relax road-weary travellers are on offer. Internet access is provided through either hi-speed wireless or through normal phone lines. In order to keep the noise level to a minimum and as not to disturb other visitors, travellers can take advantage of private phone booths for mobile phone use. Both a variety of hot and cold drinks are offered, including espresso, different kinds of tea, draft beer, wine and spirits. Snacks, such as cheese, crackers, cookies and Japanese specialties are available. Moreover the lounge is equipped with a plasma TV, has an individually ventilated smoking section as well as restrooms.

About Star Alliance
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, US Airways and VARIG Brazilian Airlines. TAP Portugal is set to become the 16th member during the first quarter of 2005, with South African Airways scheduled to join the alliance within the next 12 months. Overall, the member carriers offer more than 14,000 daily flights to 772 destinations in 133 countries.

Note to editors: pictures of the lounge and the new airport are available at www.staralliance.com

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