Launched on May 14, 1997, the Star Alliance is an airline alliance of numerous airlines throughout the world. It is the central provider featured on website Travelocity. It has been suspected, and investigated by the EU, for being an attempt to create a virtual merger between all of the airlines.

Features of the airline alliance:

• Airline mile rewards can be earned and redeemed on all members of the Alliance.
• Premium alliance customers have access to all members' airport lounges.
• Harmonized customer service processes ensure hassle-free travel.

The Star Alliance is composed of: Air Canada, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines System, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, Thai Airways International, United Airlines, US Airways and Varig. Ansett Australia was a member before its collapse in late 2001. Mexicana's membership ended March 31, 2004. On June 5, 2004, South African Airways, TAP Air Portugal and Blue1's applications to join were approved.

It has been predicted that the Star Alliance will be eventually allowed to merge into a unified corporation, if government regulations are relaxed.

Membership History

• 1997 - Founded by Air Canada, United Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines System and Thai Airways
• 1999 - Ansett Australia, All Nippon Airways, and Air New Zealand join the alliance.
• 2000 - Singapore Airlines, British Midland, Mexicana, and the Austrian Airlines group, comprising Austrian Airlines, Tyrolean, and Lauda Air join the alliance.
• 2001 - Ansett Australia goes bankrupt.
• 2003 - Asiana Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, and Spanair join the alliance.
• 2004 - US Airways joins the alliance. Mexicana's membership ends.

See Also

Oneworld Alliance

Skyteam Alliance

External link

• Star Alliance (http://www.staralliance.com/) - Official site