Star Alliance to Connect with LCCs
The Star Alliance will launch a “Connecting Partner Model” in the third quarter of 2016 to enable low-cost and hybrid carriers to connect to its network.
The program is designed to fill in some of the gaps in the alliance network’s coverage. Participating airlines must “comply and adhere to the high operating standard required by the alliance” but will not become members.
Instead, they will enter into bilateral commercial agreements with selected alliance members.
Those agreements will enable through check-in of both passengers and bags and may also include frequent flyer-based privileges.
In addition, Star Alliance Gold Card holders will receive a tailored set of privileges in line with the different product offerings of the Connecting Partner.
The first Connecting Partner airline will be Mango, a 9-year-old South African low-cost airline with an “innovative and progressive style,” according to Mark Schwab, chief executive officer of the Star Alliance. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of South African Airways.
Mango operates a fleet of 10 737-800 Next Generation aircraft and serves domestic points in South Africa and a Johannesburg-Zanzibar route. It is the only African carrier that offers in-flight Wi-Fi.
It is the largest South African low-cost carrier by passenger volume.
--Michele McDonald