Members of the aviation Star Alliance that includes Lufthansa and United Airlines, said on Wednesday they would welcome Shenzhen Airlines to the club, allowing Star to extend service in China and neighbouring countries. its Chief Executive Board (CEB) has unanimously approved the application of Shenzhen Airlines to join Star Alliance.
The fifth-biggest Chinese carrier will join Air China, which has been a Star member since 2007.
The move adds five new Chinese destinations to the alliance's network, Juzhou (Zhejiang Province), Linyi, Qinhuangdao, Shijiazhuang, and Zhoushan. In total, the Star Alliance network will then encompass a total of 32 carriers (the current 27 and five future members), offering a choice of more than 23,000 daily flights to 1,315 destinations in 190 countries.
Jaan Albrecht, CEO Star Alliance said: “With the approval of our Chief Executive Board (CEB) we today formally start the integration process of Shenzhen Airlines, which upon completion will allow Star Alliance to once again enlarge its offer across Mainland China and neighbouring countries.”
Last month, China Eastern airlines and its Shanghai Airlines unit joined the rival SkyTeam alliance formed around a core of Air France-KLM and the US airline Delta.
Albrecht added, “Shenzhen Airlines is the fifth largest airline in China operating from the fifth busiest airport in the country. In conjunction with Air China, we will be growing our customer offer especially in the southern part of China.”
Through its future membership in Star Alliance, Shenzhen Airlines will be able to offer its customers access to a global network, along with seamless travel and status recognition within the various member carrier frequent flyer programmes.
The integration teams at Shenzhen Airlines and Star Alliance have already begun the work that needs to be completed before a new airline can join the Star Alliance network. Air China will be assisting in this process.
Kong Dong, Air China Chairman said: “As the mentor of Shenzhen Airlines, Air China will provide its full support and assistance in facilitating the success of Shenzhen Airlines’ integration into the Star Alliance Network by the end of 2012. Besides, Air China and Shenzhen Airlines will actively participate in Alliance activities and initiatives, and work closely together with all member airlines to achieve win-win cooperation”.
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