Star Alliance Approves TAP Membership - Consolidates Network's Latin Link
SINGAPORE – June 5, 2004 - The Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, today unanimously approved TAP Air Portugal's application to join the alliance which will further enhance the network’s ‘Latin Link’.
“TAP Air Portugal solidifies our reach on the Iberian Peninsula through its network spanning Europe, Brazil and Africa,” said Jaan Albrecht, CEO, Star Alliance. “When combined with member carriers Spanair and VARIG, TAP will play a pivotal role in delivering quality service and connectivity between South America and Europe.”
“By joining the world’s leading airline alliance, TAP enters the global stage well positioned to offer unprecedented value to our customers, our shareholders and a bright future for our employees,” said Fernando Pinto, CEO, TAP Air Portugal.
TAP Air Portugal offers an average of 180 daily flights to 40 destinations in 25 countries in Europe, Africa as well as North, Central and South America. Upon joining, members of its frequent flyer programme Navigator, will be able to accrue and redeem miles on any of the other member airlines and will be eligible to achieve Star Alliance Silver or Star Alliance Gold status both of which offer a wide range of benefits.
TAP Air Portugal joins South African Airways and the first regional Star Alliance member airline, Blue1, as future members of the alliance. Following their official inaugurations, the Star Alliance network will comprise over 15,000 daily flights to 833 destinations in 152 countries.
Star Alliance was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer customers global reach and a smooth travel experience. The members are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, Thai Airways International, United, US Airways and VARIG Brazilian Airlines.
