Star Alliance expands in Latin America
Star Alliance has added Latin American carrier’s Avianca, TACA and Copa Airlines to its member portfolio.
The deal will see the Panama- and Colombia-based airlines add almost 50 new airports to the Star Alliance network, and cements Star’s position as the world’s biggest airline group.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Avianca, TACA Airlines and Copa Airlines to the Star Alliance family,” said Mark Schwab, CEO Star Alliance. “The addition of these quality aviation groups strengthens our presence in the rapidly growing Latin American market.
“With Avianca, TACA Airlines and Copa Airlines our customers now enjoy increased connectivity across the Americas by connecting through five new Star Alliance hubs right in the middle of the American continent,” he added.
Avianca, TACA Airlines serve more than 100 destinations, operating a fleet of more than 150 aircraft. The two airlines of Copa Holdings – Copa Airlines and Copa Airlines Colombia – serve 64 destinations in 29 countries.
With the addition of the new airlines, the Star Alliance network is comprised of 27 members offering more than 21,500 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193 countries. The group is led by United-Continental and Lufthansa, and also includes major national carriers including Air China, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada and Air New Zealand.