We are still relevant, Star Alliance insists

By admin


Star Alliance has hit back at claims that alliances are no longer relevant in the current aviation landscape, highlighting recent high profile airline pacts as proof that collaboration continues to deliver vital benefits.

Speaking at a farewell function for outgoing sales coordinator Australia Brian Garside, the alliance’s country steering committee chair Craig McCarthy acknowledged that the airline industry has changed “enormously” in the 17 years since Star Alliance was founded.

“There has been talk lately that global alliances’ time has passed and that they’re not much use anymore. But In light of the high profile strategic pacts that have being forged between individual carriers recently, I think that is refuted and alliances continue to be quite an important part of the airline industry,” he said.

“There is no doubt these arrangements can provide important commercial advantages and I can ensure you they in no way diminish the value that a true global alliance can offer its customers.”

McCarthy said the core benefits of the alliance remain the same – “seamless” service, global reach, recognition and rewards. But Star continues to work towards expanding its offering.

The last 12 months saw it continue to grow its network by welcoming Taiwan’s EVA Air to its ranks.

“That has cemented out position as the strongest alliance in the Asia Pacific region,” he said. It now counts eight member airlines in APAC, with 19 member carriers operating more than 4000 daily flights in the region.

This year, it will also accept Air India and Avianca Brazil to the network, securing Star’s presence in two of the “world’s most important” aviation markets, according to McCarthy.

It will also move into Heathrow’s revamped Terminal 2 with all 23 of its carriers that operate into the airport to be located in the same terminal for the first time.

Meanwhile, Australia continues to play an important part in the alliance’s success, consistently ranking in the top three markets for its round the world products.

McCarthy spoke of the “exceptional commitment” of Star’s member airlines to promoting the benefits of the alliance locally. This year, it will focus on growing awareness with both consumers and the trade, ensuring a high level of service and encouraging interaction between the employees of its various member airlines to ensure an exchange of ideas and knowledge.

Star Alliance also confirmed the appointment of Gordon Young to the Sydney-based position of Star Alliance Coordinator Australia, taking the reigns from Garside who has held the role for 10 years.

Young is responsible for driving Star Alliance activities in Australia on behalf of the CSC including consumer marketing initiatives, member carrier liaison and travel agent training, promotions and incentive campaigns.

Latest News

  • Cruise

P&O rescues Rotary volunteers after collapse of Air Vanuatu

P&O Cruises Australia has answered a plea for help from a group of young Australian Rotary volunteers, stranded in Vanuatu following the collapse of Air Vanuatu. The students, many of them teenagers from Albury, NSW, were volunteering for a youth project run by the Hive Rotary Club Australia when the airline abruptly cancelled all flights, […]

  • Destinations

Intrepid continues expansions with launch of first DMC in Jordan

Intrepid has increased its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first destination management company in Jordan. Based in Amman, the local team will operate Intrepid’s range of nine experiential small group tours in Jordan from this summer, with a view to expanding the range for 2025 and beyond. Zina Bencheikh, managing […]

  • Appointments

Minor hotels appoints Puneet Dhawan to key Asia role

Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report […]

  • Appointments

Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal appoint Evon Ler to director of sales, Asia

Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group have announced that Evon Ler will join them in the new role of director of sales, Asia. She will work closely with Tony Archbold (VP, Sales, APAC, Crystal) and Susan Haberle (VP, Sales & Partnerships, APAC, A&K) with trade support across the region. Ler comes to the A&K family with more […]