Shenzhen Airlines accepted as future Star Alliance member

Star Alliance announced today in Shenzhen, China, that its Chief Executive Board (CEB) had unanimously approved the application of Shenzhen Airlines to join the Alliance.

Jaan Albrecht, CEO of 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."

Bringing Shenzhen Airlines into the Alliance is part of a long-term strategy to expand the Star Alliance network into the future growth markets, thereby providing international travellers with excellent flight options. In the case of China, the foundation for this strategy was laid many years ago by the Star Alliance member carriers who have been successfully serving this market for several decades. As a result, the Alliance was able to welcome Air China in December 2007.

Mr 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 of Star Alliance, Shenzhen Airlines will be able to offer its customers access to a global network, in addition to seamless travel and recognition of frequent flyer status within the various member carrier programmes.

Feng Gang, president of Shenzhen Airlines, said, "Joining Star Alliance will help Shenzhen Airlines in its mission to build on its strength of a well-known national carrier, while implementing its strategy of establishing itself as a strong brand across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond."

The Shenzhen Airlines and Star Alliance integration teams have already begun the work that needs to be done before a new airline can formally join the Star Alliance network. Air China will be assisting in this process.

Kong Dong, the chairman of Air China, 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".

Shenzhen Airlines will add five new destinations to the Star Alliance network in China: Juzhou (Zhejiang Province), Linyi, Qinhuangdao, Shijiazhuang, and Zhoushan. All together, the Star Alliance network will then include a total of 32 carriers (the current 27 plus five future members), offering a choice of more than 23,000 daily flights to 1,315 destinations in 190 countries.