AIR CANADA JOINS GLOBAL AIR ALLIANCE
By Adnews Staff
Montreal-based Air Canada has teamed up with four other airlines to launch a global airline alliance known as the Star Alliance. Other members of the group are Lufthansa German Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines System, Thai Airways International and United Airlines. As of yesterday, frequent flyers on Star Alliance flights will be able to accumulate and redeem mileage points on the flights of any of the alliance's members. Over the next few months, the group plans to add more flights and destinations, simplified ticketing and reservations, more convenient connections, as well as better baggage and ground services. Billing the Star Alliance as "The airline network for earth," the group's members say the Star Alliance brand will complement each airline's individual identity and product offerings. Although the alliance's members will continue to exist as separate entities, the Star Alliance logo will join each airline's traditional logo on all aircraft in the alliance and on information materials. The alliance plans to add new members in the near future and has already confirmed Varig Brazilian Airlines as a member starting in October. Air Canada officials could not be reached yesterday to comment on the alliance's advertising plans. Marketel of Montreal handles Air Canada's advertising.