Star Alliance to Launch Co-Branded Regional Credit Card; Enable Paid Access to Lounges

(16 May 2022, 09:09 +07)  Star Alliance and the 26-member carriers celebrated its 25th anniversary on 14 May 2022, unveiling new innovations that travellers can expect from the global airline alliance in the future.

Established in 1997, the alliance continues to leverage new technology to foster an improved travel experience.

“We reflect on the successes of Star Alliance in uniting the leading global airlines, with an eye firmly focused on a future where the customer continues to be at the heart of our work and our global network,” said Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Star Alliance. “I am very excited for the innovations led by Star Alliance and our members carriers as we aim to be the most digitally advanced airline alliance offering seamless travel experiences with a unique loyalty proposition. This year, we look forward to further developments in seamless connectivity — such as new digital and mobile innovations — and exciting industry-first offers that loyal customers of our member carriers will welcome.”

Two SIA aircraft with Star Alliance livery. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

Among the key successes and future offerings upon which Star Alliance continues to innovate are:

· To introduce a new partnership model that cements network leadership;

· A brand new co-branded, regional credit card that will offer loyalty customers of member airlines the opportunity to earn miles and points with spends is expected to be officially announced later this year;

· Jointly adopted a sustainability statement with member carriers to commit to the industry goal of net-zero carbon emissions and consequent joint efforts on decarbonisation;

· Star Alliance Biometrics, launched in 2020, is now available across four major airports - Frankfurt, Munich and Vienna – with Hamburg added in April 2022;

· Expansion of the Digital Connection Service to augment the Star Alliance Connection Centres to aid connecting passengers at major airports and the airlines serving them. This service is currently available at London Heathrow and will expand to a key European hub soon;

· Progressive ability to reserve seats and track baggage location on codeshare flights and multi-carrier journeys through the digital channels of member carriers;

· Star Alliance lounge in Los Angeles and other premium lounges in Amsterdam, Rome, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Paris, with new options for paid access being progressively rolled out; and

· Collection and online redemption of points and miles for award flights and upgrades across the twenty-six member carriers.

In conjunction with the anniversary milestone, Star Alliance and its member carriers will release promotions and innovations under the new brand tagline: Together. Better. Connected.

The new brand tagline is meant to capture the intent of fostering better human connections through Star Alliance’s global network coupled with digital seamless connectivity.