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Another airline joins the Star Alliance as a 'Connecting Partner'

A Chinese airline has sneaked its way into the Star Alliance without becoming a full-blown member.

A Chinese airline has sneaked its way into the Star Alliance without becoming a full-blown member.

 

 

It’s actually not as controversial as it sounds. Juneyao Airlines joined the airline alliance as a ‘Connecting Partner’, which lets customers tap into the carrier’s offerings such as its 1,700 flights from Shanghai, its Lounge access plus other Priority privileges.

Similar to members, ‘Connecting Partners’ are carefully selected by the group, and must adhere to high operating standards.

In the case of the Chinese carrier, Star Alliance CEO, Mark Schwab, described Juneyao Airlines as a “terrific addition” to the group’s network in China because of its presence in Shanghai.

Star Alliance

As part of the arrangement, Juneyao Airlines’ 1,700 weekly flights from Shanghai to 69 destinations in eight countries and regions will add to the Star Alliance’s current 1,600 weekly services in and out of the two Shanghai airports, Pudong International and Hongqiao International.

Additionally, select customers travelling on a Star Alliance itinerary, which includes a transfer between a Star Alliance member airline and a Connecting Partner, will receive stardard Alliance benefits such as passenger and baggage through check-in. Star Alliance Gold status customers will enjoy a tailored set of privileges in line with the product offerings of the individual Connecting Partner.

Juneyao Airlines’s Chairman, Wang Junjin, said the carrier looks forward to welcoming connecting passengers from Star Alliance in the near future.

Star Alliance

“We offer 53 additional routes which will complement Star Alliance’s existing services from Shanghai and will no doubt attract more connecting passengers to our two home hub airports.”

Wang Junjin, Juneyao Airlines Chairman

“Since starting operations 10 years ago, Juneyao Airlines has earned a strong reputation in the Chinese market. Now it is ready for a further step on its successful growth path.

“From the beginning of our conversations we were impressed by the carrier’s professionalism and operational efficiencies.”

Work has now commenced to establish the necessary technology and commercial links which will allow Juneyao Airlines to begin serving Star Alliance connecting passengers some time during the second quarter 2017.

Until then, the airline will offer Star Alliance Gold Status passengers on connecting itineraries lounge access, fact tracked security, additional baggage, priority check-in, priority boarding, priority standby and priority baggage delivery.

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