Shenzhen Airlines to join Star Alliance
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Star Alliance has approved the membership application of Shenzhen Airlines. The airline, which is a subsidiary of Air China and largely serves routes in southern and eastern China, is expected to join the airline group in 2012.
Jaan Albrecht, CEO Star Alliance said; “With the approval of our Chief Executive Board (CEB) we today formally start the integration process of Shenzhen Airlines, which upon completion will allow Star Alliance to once again enlarge its offer across Mainland China and neighbouring countries.”
The addition of Shenzhen Airlines is part of a long-term strategy to expand the Star Alliance network into the strong emerging markets. The airline will add five new Chinese destinations to the Star Alliance network: Juzhou (Zhejiang province), Linyi (Shandong), Qinhuangdao (Hebei), Shijiazhuang (Hebei), and Zhoushan (Zhejiang).
“Shenzhen Airlines is the fifth largest airline in China operating from the fifth busiest airport in the country. In conjunction with Air China, we will be growing our customer offer especially in the southern part of China,” Albrecht added.
Feng Gang, President of Shenzhen Airlines, said; “Joining Star Alliance will help Shenzhen Airlines in its mission to build on its strength of a well-known national carrier, while implementing its strategy of establishing itself as a strong brand across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.”
The integration teams at Shenzhen Airlines and Star Alliance have already begun the work that needs to be completed before a new airline can join the Star Alliance network. Air China will be assisting in this process.
Kong Dong, Air China Chairman said; “As the mentor of Shenzhen Airlines, Air China will provide its full support and assistance in facilitating the success of Shenzhen Airlines’ integration into the Star Alliance Network by the end of 2012. Besides, Air China and Shenzhen Airlines will actively participate in Alliance activities and initiatives, and work closely together with all member airlines to achieve win-win cooperation.”
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