The Star Alliance has started opening its arms to low cost and hybrid airlines in order to offer its customers a wider choice of destinations and flights.
The group’s CEO, Mark Schwab, launched its ‘Connection Partner Model’ – a program which allows the Alliance network to connect to routes operated by select budget airlines.
Connecting Partners will be assessed for their fit into the existing network and will be asked to comply and adhere to the group’s high operating standard. However, the low cost and hybrid carriers will not become a member of the Alliance itself.
Aside from further options, how else does this benefit your clients?
Customers travelling on an itinerary which includes a transfer between a Star Alliance member airline and a Connecting Partner will be offered Alliance benefits such as passenger and baggage through check-in.
Additionally, they will receive a tailored set of privileges in line with the different product offerings of the individual Connecting Partner.
Connecting Partners will also enter into bilateral commercial agreements with selected Star Alliance member airlines, which may include additional Frequent Flyer Programme based privileges.
We are set to expand our network reach with the launch of the new Connecting Partner Model. Now routes operated by “…
Posted by Star Alliance on Wednesday, December 9, 2015
So far, South Africa’s low-cost airline, Mango, has become the first airline to partner with the Star Alliance.
This means your clients can fly to South Africa on South African Airways and then travel internally using the Connecting Partner, Mango.
“We see a definite trend of convergence between the ‘traditional full service’ and ‘low-cost’ business models in the airline industry.”
Mark Schwab, Star Alliance CEO
“At the same time, our customers are telling us that they need access to markets where we do not yet provide ideal coverage.
“In many cases network carriers are not in a position to fill this gap and hence working with future Connecting Partners will allow us to provide an extended network to our travellers.”
