Press Releases 2005

Star Alliance Selects G2 Switchworks and ITA Software as the first two vendors to provide Alternative Content Access Platforms (ACAP)
At a signing ceremony held during the bi-annual meeting of the Star Alliance CEOs, the alliance concluded contracts with two vendors who will provide so called ACAPs to the member carriers. The two companies selected are G2 SwitchWorks and ITA Software.

Star Alliance interline e-ticket now available across Canada and the USA
Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, now offers customers flying across its North America network the convenience of using one single electronic ticket. The itinerary can include any combination of domestic and transborder flights operated by member carriers Air Canada, United and US Airways.

Star Alliance and Zero Octa sign a preferred supplier agreement
Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, has chosen Zero Octa as preferred vendor for revenue recovery and protection services.

Star Alliance finalises deal with Amadeus for common information technology platform
Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, together with member carriers Lufthansa and United is creating a next generation technology platform for passenger service systems in the airline industry. For this, the parties have jointly selected Amadeus, the travel information technology provider, to build a Common IT Platform for the alliance.

Star Alliance launches Upgrade Awards
Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, has become the first alliance to offer a Frequent Flyer Programme (FFP) upgrade redemption option across the alliance, rather than on an individual carrier basis. This brings travelling in either First or Business Class into easier reach of the customer.

Opening of new Star Connection Centre in Munich
Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, has opened a dedicated flight connection centre at Munich Airport in order to further improve the quality of connections at one of the alliance’s key hubs.

Star Alliance named as world’s best airline alliance
In a recent passenger survey conducted by Skytrax, the specialist air transport research organisation, Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, has been named the world’s best airline alliance.

Star Alliance approves SWISS membership
At its bi-annual meeting held in Kyoto, Japan, the Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, voted unanimously to accept the application for membership of Swiss International Air Lines.

Star Alliance seeks alternatives to Global Distribution Systems (GDS)
Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, has initiated a major cost-reduction effort, by seeking other distribution channels to the current GDS. A combination of market deregulation and new technology has now created the right scenario in which the so called GDS new entrants or GNEs are becoming real alternatives.

Star Alliance member carriers open joint ticketing facility at Mexico City’s International Airport
Star Alliance member carriers serving Mexico City – Air Canada, Lufthansa, United, US Airways and VARIG – now offer customers one joint ticket office at Mexico City’s International Airport.

Star Alliance announces the winners of Visit Japan sweepstakes
Star Alliance, the airline network for earth™, today announced the results of a world wide sweepstakes promotion to encourage travellers to visit Japan under the Star Alliance supported Visit Japan [Yokoso Japan] campaign.

The Star Alliance network welcomes TAP Portugal as the alliances 16th member carrier
At a joining ceremony held in Lisbon today, representatives of the Star Alliance welcomed TAP Portugal as their 16th member

Star Alliance and Aeroports de Paris sign MoU outlining co-location at CDG1
Jaan Albrecht, CEO Star Alliance and Pierre Graff, President of Aéroports de Paris signed an agreement on the principles of a partnership between the alliance and the airport.

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.

Star Alliance appoints Aman Khan as new Vice President, Information Technology
Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, has appointed Aman Khan as Vice President Information Technology (IT).