May 2017
Star Alliance’s 20th Anniversary on May 14, 2017; celebrating 20 years of “Connecting people and Cultures”
New strategy of harnessing digital technology to further enhance the journey experience of Alliance customers
New Management Team presented
Christian Draeger as Vice President Customer Experience
Janice Antonson as Vice President Commercial and Communication
“Become a Mileage Millionaire” competition launched
The 21 Star Alliance Frequent Flyer Programmes each offer one million miles or equivalent as prize
Joint media campaign to promote cultural experiences launched with National Geographic and Wall Street Journal
Star Alliance Chief Executive Board Meeting (CEB) held in Frankfurt, Germany
February 2017
Star Alliance again supports Ramsar’s Youth Photo Contest as part of the Alliance’s Biosphere Connections initiative now in its tenth year
January 2017
Jeffrey Goh takes over from Mark Schwab as CEO Star Alliance
Air India moves to Heathrow Terminal 2, completing the relocation of all 24 Star Alliance airlines at Heathrow to the Queen’s Terminal
December 2016
Star Alliance opens new lounge at Rio de Janeiro (Galeão) Airport.
Sixth Alliance branded lounge in the network.
November 2016
Pedro Heilbron, CEO Copa Airlines, elected Chairman of the Star Alliance CEB
October 2016
Shanghai based Juneyao Airlines announced as a future Star Alliance Connecting Partner
September 2016
Star Alliance launches social media campaign with travel bloggers to promote new “theme based” Round the World itineraries
July 2016
Ten years after first co-locating its member airlines at Tokyo – Nartia Airport Terminal 1, Star Alliance introduces new check-in concept at the airport, incorporating latest self-service technology and facility sharing concept
Star Alliance receives Best Alliance and Best Alliance Lounge (for the Los Angeles Lounge) awards from Skytrax
June 2016
SWISS hosts Star Alliance CEB Meeting in Zurich
Jeffrey Goh, Star Alliance COO, announced as future Star Alliance CEO
Star Alliance announces multi-million Euro investment in technology; Baggage hub initiative started
Star Alliance CEB travels from Dublin to Zurich on board first passenger flight operated by a Bombardier CSeries 100 aircraft
March 2016
Star Alliance invites lounge guests to share tips in social media via #irecommend
February 2016
Star Alliance improves customer experience at Los Angeles’ Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
Star Alliance Gold Card holders enjoy free upgrades on Heathrow Express trains
January 2016
Star Alliance Gold Status Frequent Flyers again take centre stage in various joint marketing campaigns with member airlines throughout the year
December 2015
United hosts Star Alliance CEB Meeting in Chicago
Star Alliance launches Connecting Partner Model to expand network reach via low-cost, hybrid airlines and regional.
November 2015
Star Alliance launches fresh look for its website
August 2015
Star Alliance voted Best Airline Alliance by readers of Frequent Business Traveller
Star Alliance named Best Airline Alliance at Australian Business Traveller Awards
July 2015
Star Alliance announces Premium Economy Round the World Fares
Avianca in Brazil joins the Star Alliance network
June 2015
LOT Polish Airlines hosts Star Alliance CEB Meeting in Warsaw
Star Alliance Chief Executive Board endorses the inclusion of Avianca Brazil as of July 2015
Star Alliance Los Angeles lounge wins SKYTRAX Award
Star Alliance extends distribution channels for Round the World and Circle Fares
May 2015
Star Alliance launches its official Instagram page
February 2015
Heathrow Terminal 2 | The Queen’s Terminal named Airport of the Year at Air Transport World Annual Awards
December 2014
Air India hosts first Star Alliance CEB Meeting in India
July 2014
Air India joins the Star Alliance Network
Star Alliance officially opens new lounge at Sao Paulo – Guarulhos Airport Terminal 3
June 2014
New Heathrow Terminal 2 starts operations
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II formally opens
Heathrow Terminal 2 | The Queen’s Terminal
Star Alliance CEB meets in London as part of the official opening of Terminal 2 and approves Air India membership
Star Alliance Upgrade Awards available on all member carriers
First alliance to enable FFP members to redeem miles for upgrades on any member carrier
May 2014
Star Alliance welcomes customers to newly refurbished lounge at Paris Charles-De-Gaulle Airport
The Star Alliance network expands its offer to globetrotters through the introduction of four additional Round-the-World (RTW) fare levels
Star Alliance enhances Conventions Plus
March 2014
TAM Airlines and US Airways leave Star Alliance
Star Alliance offers Gold Status to its most loyal TAM Airlines customers
February 2014
Star Alliance wins Best Alliance Award at Business Traveller USA
Star Alliance Navigator App available for mobile devices operating on Android operating system
December 2013
Austrian Airlines hosts Star Alliance CEB meeting
CEB agrees on future membership of Avianca Brazil and agrees to recommence Air India integration process
November 2013
Star Alliance Gold Game: The Star Alliance network offers customers the chance to win Star Alliance Gold Status in any of the participating member airlines’ Frequent Flyer Programmes (FFP).
September 2013
Star Alliance opens new lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, Los Angeles Airport
July 2013
Star Alliance voted Best Airline Alliance by readers of Frequent Business Traveller (UK)
June 2013
EVA Air hosts Star Alliance CEB as the airline joins the Star Alliance network
Star Alliance’s home in Heathrow to be named in honour of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II
May 2013
Star Alliance launches Navigator iPad App
March 2013
Star Alliance receives Best Alliance Award from Air Transport News
February 2013
Star Alliance introduces enhanced Asia Airpass
Star Alliance opens new lounge at Buenos Aires Ezeiza “Ministro Pistarini” international airport
December 2012
Heathrow Airport designates Terminal 2 as the new home for Star Alliance member carriers serving one of the world’s most important international airports
November 2012
Shenzhen Airlines hosts Star Alliance CEB meeting as the airline joins the Star Alliance network
Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu elected as new chairman of the Star Alliance CEB
Blue1 formally leaves Star Alliance following its integration into
Star Alliance member Scandinavian Airlines
October 2012
Star Alliance again voted Best Airline Alliance at Business Traveller Awards
September 2012
As the winner of Star Alliance’s 15th Anniversary Competition, an Argentinian wins a trip to the Munich Oktoberfest with 14 friends
July 2012
Star Alliance begins building a new lounge at Los Angeles’ upgraded Tom Bradley International Terminal
Star Alliance takes best alliance title at Skytrax World Airline Awards for the sixth time
June 2012
Avianca, Taca Airlines (later changed name to Avianca) and Copa Airlines jointly host the Star Alliance CEB meeting as the airlines join the Star Alliance network
May 2012
To mark its 15th Anniversary, the Star Alliance network offers a 15 per cent discount on all Round-the-World (RTW) Economy Class fares
As part of its 15th Anniversary celebrations, Star Alliance holds its first ever CEO’s question time on Facebook
April 2012
BMI (British Midland) formally leaves Star Alliance
Star Alliance opens first ever Alliance branded ticket counter at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
March 2012
EVA Air accepted as future Star Alliance member
February 2012
Several Star Alliance member carriers launch a Frequent Flyer Status Match for former Spanair Frequent Flyer Gold and Silver Card holders
January 2012
Star Alliance Conventions Plus becomes first ever alliance convention product to offer an online booking function
Picture Your Upgrade Competition launched using Facebook
The new United brand replaces Continental and United on the Star Alliance logo stack
Spanair ceases operation and leaves Star Alliance
December 2011
Ethiopian Airlines hosts the Star Alliance CEB meeting as the airline joins the Star Alliance Network
Mark Schwab appointed new Star Alliance CEO, taking over from Jaan Albrecht
The Star Alliance Network and Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) hold joint competition using Facebook
Star Alliance and ARINC complete common bag drop trial at Tokyo-Narita
October 2011
Star Alliance selects B/E Aerospace to supply long-haul economy class seats, which are first presented to the public in December 2011
Star Alliance again voted Best Airline Alliance at Business Traveller Awards (UK)
August 2011
Star Alliance launches Farefinder App for mobile devices
Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht nominated to lead Austrian Airlines
July 2011
Star Alliance regains best alliance title at Skytrax World Airline Awards
Shenzhen Airlines accepted as future Star Alliance Member carrier
Star Alliance goes mobile with iPhone App
Star Alliance and Air India put Air India’s Alliance membership application on hold
April 2011
Micronesia Airpass becomes a further fare product for customers and offers travel on up to 10 flights on the United network across Micronesia
March 2011
Launch of a German language version of Star Alliance’s “Book and Fly” tool on staralliance.com
Star Alliance launches brand campaign on Biosphere Connection
February 2011
Star Alliance launches interactive online quiz for the members of any of the Alliance’s Frequent Flyer Programmes (FFP) to promote the addition of three airlines to its Upgrade Awards product
January 2011
All Americas-based member carriers now participating in Star Alliance Upgrade Awards programme
Star Alliance launches its official Facebook page
November 2010
Avianca, TACA (later renamed Avianca) and Copa Airlines to join Star Alliance network, expanding the alliance’s presence in Latin America
Only aviation alliance to offer multiple fare products – Round the World Fare and All Star Alliance Circle Fares – online
October 2010
Shanghai Airlines and Star Alliance agree separation as a result of its recent merger with China Eastern
Star Alliance member carriers collocate at Haneda Airport’s new International Terminal
September 2010
Ethiopian Airlines is accepted as future Star Alliance member carrier
August 2010
Launch of Star Alliance Brazil Airpass offers travel to 45 domestic TAM destinations
July 2010
Star Alliance carriers move under one roof in the new Terminal 3 at New Delhi International Airport
June 2010
Aegean Airlines joins the Star Alliance network
May 2010
TAM hosts the Star Alliance CEB meeting as the airline joins the Star Alliance network
April 2010
“Book and Fly” online booking tool is now available in Japanese
December 2009
Brussels Airlines hosts Star Alliance CEB Meeting as the airline joins the Star Alliance network
Meetings Plus product for meetings travel launched
October 2009
Continental Airlines joins the Star Alliance network
September 2009
Star Alliance redesigns website
Circle North Asia Fare launched
August 2009
Star Alliance develops Common IT Mobile Platform
July 2009
Star Alliance launches “Book and Fly”, the alliance’s first ever booking engine on www.staralliance.com for Round the World fares
June 2009
First alliance to move and operate at Terminal 1 at Barcelona El Prat Airport
April 2009
Air China and Shanghai Airlines offer Star Alliance Upgrade Awards
February 2009
Star Alliance introduces Middle East Airpass
Star Alliance launches its official Twitter page
December 2008
Opening of lounge at Paris – Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 1, the largest of its kind at the terminal
October 2008
Using the theme – “You’ve earned it”, Star Alliance launched its new multi-platform brand campaign, aimed at increasing awareness and familiarity of the Alliance customer benefits
September 2008
Turkish Airlines participates in Star Alliance Upgrade Awards
August 2008
Star Alliance launches industry first Auto Document Check which simplifies and verifies travel documentation requirements
July 2008
EGYPTAIR joins the Star Alliance network
Opening of Star Alliance lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 1
Star Alliance carriers move together under one roof at the main terminal of Seoul’s Incheon International Airport
April 2008
Turkish Airlines joins the Star Alliance network
March 2008
Star Alliance carriers move under one roof to Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital International Airport and to Terminal 2 at Shanghai – Pudong Airport
Star Alliance upgrades Round-the-World Mileage Calculator
February 2008
China Airpass launched
January 2008
Star Alliance receives Market Leadership Award from Air Transport World, first airline alliance to win the award
Circle Fare and Airpass online Calculator launched
December 2007
Air China and Shanghai Airlines host Star Alliance CEB meeting as both airlines join the Star Alliance network
Star Alliance CEB accepts Air India as future member
SAS EuroBonus offers members Star Alliance Upgrade Awards
November 2007
Star Alliance adds two new Chinese language websites; simplified Chinese and traditional Chinese for native Chinese speakers
October 2007
Air Canada, Lufthansa, SWISS, US Airways and United relocate to the new South Terminal at Miami International Airport
September 2007
Star Alliance wins the Best Airline Alliance Award from Business Traveller (UK)
August 2007
Star Alliance voted Best Airline Alliance in the Skytrax World Airline Survey for the third consecutive time
July 2007
Opening of first lounge in North America at the Tom Bradley International Airport in Los Angeles
Air New Zealand launches Star Alliance Upgrade Awards
May 2007
Star Alliance celebrates 10th anniversary
March 2007
Launch of Visit Southern Africa Campaign
Introduction of new Common Baggage Service Facility at Chicago Airport International Terminal
February 2007
After its’ restructuring VARIG leaves Star Alliance as it no longer fulfills the pre-requisites for Star Alliance membership
January 2007
Star Alliance voted Best Airline Alliance by Business Traveler Magazine (US)
December 2006
Launch of new www.staralliance.com website
September 2006
Star Alliance voted best airline at Business Traveller Awards (UK)
July 2006
United Airlines joins Star Alliance Upgrade Awards
June 2006
Star Alliance member carriers collocate in new South Wing,
Terminal 1, at Tokyo’s Narita Airport
May 2006
Star Alliance Upgrade Awards available on Asiana, TAP and THAI
April 2006
SWISS and South African Airways jointly host the Star Alliance CEB meeting as both airlines join the Star Alliance network
African Airpass is introduced
January 2006
Star Alliance launches online interactive tool for U.S.-based travel agents and corporate travel planners/bookers
September 2005
Star Alliance finalizes deal with Amadeus for Common Information Technology Platform
August 2005
Opening of new Star Connection Centre in Munich
June 2005
Star Alliance named as world’s best airline alliance in Skytrax survey
May 2005
Star Alliance member carriers open joint ticketing facility at Mexico City’s International Airport
March 2005
TAP Portugal joins the Star Alliance network
Star Alliance and Aeroports de Paris sign MoU outlining collocation at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport Terminal 1
February 2005
Star Alliance carriers start flying from the new Central Japan International Airport (Nagoya)
December 2004
THAI hosts the Star Alliance CEB meeting.
Star Alliance begins with Global Interline E-Ticketing rollout
November 2004
Blue1 joins as the first regional member of Star Alliance, followed by Adria Airways and Croatia Airlines
October 2004
Star Alliance launches the Round the World Mileage Calculator
August 2004
Star Alliance launches Brazil country website – first website in local language (Portuguese)
May 2004
US Airways joins the Star Alliance network
March 2004
Star Alliance launches Asian Airpass
Star Alliance launches first country website – U.K.
Mexicana Airlines’ membership in Star Alliance terminates
November 2003
Star Alliance selected as Best Airline Alliance by U.S. Business Traveler magazine
October 2003
LOT Polish Airlines joins the Star Alliance network
September 2003
Star Alliance selected as Best Airline Alliance by U.K. Business Traveller magazine
July 2003
Star Alliance launches Travel Info feature on website
June 2003
Star Alliance voted Best Airline Alliance in Skytrax poll
April 2003
Spanair joins the Star Alliance network
March 2003
Asiana Airlines joins the Star Alliance network
November 2002
Star Alliance voted Best Airline Alliance in U.S. Business Traveller magazine poll
August 2002
Star Alliance member airlines launch comprehensive new frequent flyer awards
May 2002
Star Alliance launches downloadable timetable
March 2002
Star Alliance launches Conventions Plus product
October 2001
Star Alliance airport lounge in Zurich is named among the world’s ten best by Forbes magazine
September 2001
Ansett Australia files for bankruptcy and exits Star Alliance
August 2001
Official opening of the first Star Alliance lounge in Zurich
May 2001
Star Alliance announces the appointment of Jaan Albrecht as CEO, effective June 1st
March 2001
Star Alliance is first to launch a global e-service initiative to the public
December 2000
Opening of a new Star Alliance business centre in Bangkok
(the centre was closed in 2006)
November 2000
Friedel Rödig appointed Star Alliance CEO
Star Alliance announces the completion of its fulltime Alliance Management Team (AMT) – the executive body of the partnership
September 2000
Star Alliance launches StarNet – a sophisticated IT solution that links the various computer systems of the member airlines
August 2000
Opening of a Star Alliance business centre in Frankfurt
July 2000
British Midland and Mexicana Airlines become Star Alliance members
May 2000
The Star Alliance business centre opens in Los Angeles
(the centre was closed in 2004 as part of creating a stronger centralised organisation)
April 2000
Singapore Airlines joins the Star Alliance network
March 2000
The Austrian Airlines Group, comprising Austrian Airlines, Lauda Air and Tyrolean Airways, joins the Star Alliance network
October 1999
ANA joins the Star Alliance network
September 1999
The Austrian Airlines Board of Directors decides to apply for membership in the Star Alliance network effective 2000
March 1999
Ansett Australia and Air New Zealand join the Star Alliance network
October 1997
The first VARIG and United codeshare flights begin
VARIG Brazilian Airlines joins the Star Alliance network
September 1997
Air Canada and SAS begin codeshare flights
May 14, 1997
Air Canada, Lufthansa, SAS, Thai Airways International and United Airlines launch the Star Alliance network
