BHopper88

WASHINGTON, May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chief Executive Board of Star
Alliance today unanimously approved the application of US Airways to join the
world's largest airline alliance. The addition of US Airways significantly
expands Star Alliance's network in the business hubs of the eastern United
States and in the Caribbean.
"US Airways offers Star Alliance business and leisure passengers
significant advantages," said Jaan Albrecht, chief executive officer, Star
Alliance. "For business travelers, the addition of US Airways means
unparalleled access to the most extensive airline network in the eastern
United States; for leisure travelers, the expanded network also means more
destinations in the Caribbean and Florida from which to choose."
The addition of US Airways will increase the number of airports served by
the Star Alliance network from 700 to 771, while the number of countries
served will grow to 133 from 128.
"Expanding the reach of our network through Star Alliance will create
enormous benefits both for our customers and our business," said David N.
Siegel, US Airways president and chief executive officer. "To Star Alliance's
members and customers, US Airways brings value with our strong presence in the
eastern United States, where 70 percent of all travel to Europe originates, as
well as our growing presence in the Caribbean. Star Alliance customers
entering the U.S. through our premier international gateway in Philadelphia
will experience the nation's most modern international terminal, which just
opened this month."
While no firm date has been set for US Airways' official entry into Star
Alliance, it is anticipated that the carrier will become part of the world's
leading airline alliance within the next nine to 12 months.
US Airways, based in Arlington, Virginia, is the largest carrier in the
eastern United States and the seventh largest in the country. Its operations
are concentrated in its hubs in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Pittsburgh and
Philadelphia.
The airline has more than 3,300 daily departures to cities in the United
States, Canada and Europe, and flies to more destinations in the Caribbean
than any other U.S. airline.
US Airways has been working with Star Alliance member airlines since it
signed a code-sharing agreement with United Airlines in 2002 and recently
signed a similar memorandum of understanding on code-sharing with Lufthansa
German Airlines.
Glenn Tilton, chairman, president and chief executive officer of United
Airlines, which sponsored US Airways' application, warmly welcomed US Airways
into Star Alliance. "The United States is the largest single air travel
market in the world, and the addition of US Airways provides a complementary
service to our passengers," Tilton said. "Clearly anything that we can do to
serve the growing needs of Star Alliance passengers in this country and around
the world will benefit each of our member airlines."
US Airways serves 195 airports in 25 countries with a fleet of
279 aircraft. The airline employs more than 28,000 people and carried
54 million passengers in 2002.

Star Alliance was established in May 1997 as the first truly global
airline alliance. Member airlines are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA,
Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, bmi, Lauda Air, Lufthansa German Airlines,
Mexicana Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, Thai
Airways International, Tyrolean Airways, United Airlines and VARIG Brazilian
Airlines. LOT Polish Airlines will become a member in October 2003

richie154

cool stuff, so long as they dont boot UA off of Star.

__________________
The Devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villian with a smiling cheek, a goodly apple rotten at the heart. Oh, what a goodly outside falsehood hath!

Private Pilot: 10/20/2005
Private Multi Engine: 05/09/2008
The more things change, the more Mesa still sucks.

B6GUY

U needs all the help it can get... hope it finds it niche!

Star's getting pretty full lately... hmmm, I see a new post topic coming.

Bill G

As a US Airways flight attendant, I'm happy that we are joining!

Bill G

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Scott

Welcome Bill!! Just wait 'till you have to incorporate the "Star Alliance Mafia" into your p.a. briefings! ...."on behalf of US Airways and our Star Alliance partners...."

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Fly the Friendly Skies of United

uniTED takes wing Feb 12, 2004

Bill G

Thanks Scott. If it helps with the bottom line and our job security, I'll make the P.A. Hopefully the announcements included in the video system will take care of most of it.

See ya
Bill G

__________________
Ozark Flies Your Way

FEES DON'T FLY AT SOUTHWEST