Air China and Shanghai Airlines join Star Alliance
Air China and Shanghai Airlines, today formally joined Star Alliance at a ceremony held in the new Terminal Three at Beijing Capital International Airport. With the addition of the two Chinese airlines, Star Alliance now has 19 member carriers operating 17,000 daily flights to 897 destinations in 160 countries, offering international travelers more choice than any other airline alliance.
On domestic routes alone, Air China and Shanghai Airlines have added more than 40 new destinations to the Star Alliance network, thereby bringing alliance benefits to many more travellers.
Air China is Chinas’ national flag carrier and sole designated passenger airline partner of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Air China was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange on December 15, 2004.
Shanghai Airlines is China’s first commercial airline with multiple investments. It was the first Chinese airline to list on the stock exchange and issued A shares in 2001.
By joining Star Alliance, Air China and Shanghai Airlines will be able to provide added benefits to their frequent flyers. Participants in Air China’s PhoenixMiles and Shanghai Airlines’ Crane Club Frequent Flyer Programmes will now be able to collect and redeem miles on all Star Alliance member carriers. Customers who are enrolled in other members carriers FFP’s can now collect and redeem miles on Air China and Shanghai Airlines flights.
About Air China
Air China’s operational head office is in Beijing number of employees 19,334 and a fleet of 212 aircraft. Hubs are Beijing and Chengdu.
SAS Group Corporate Communications
About Shanghai Airlines
Shanghai Airlins’s hub is Shanghai, number of employees 5,460 and a fleet of 59 aircraft. By 2010 Shanghai Airlines will have a fleet of around 100 aircraft. Boeing 787 dreamliner is expected to join Shanghai Airlines’ in 2008-
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997. The members are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAP Portugal, THAI, United and US Airways. Regional member carriers Adria Airways (Slovenia), Blue1 (Finland) and Croatia Airlines enhance the global network.