Frankfurt (TAN): Thai Airways’ regional subsidiary Thai Smile Airways has become Germany-based global airline alliance Star Alliance’s Connecting Partner in its global network.
The announcement was made at the 75th IATA Annual General Meeting in Seoul, South Korea.
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The Connecting Partner concept, started in 2016, allows airline to link to Star Alliance without becoming a member. Connecting Partners are usually regional airlines or subsidiaries of member airlines with complete commercial links with three or more member airlines so that they can cover any network lags that may exist on a regional basis.
Star Alliance got its first Connecting Partner, Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines, in 2017. Thai Smile Airways could soon become its second Connecting Partner, after it meets all entry requirements by the end of this year. The airline has already started employing the necessary technology and commercial links so that it is ready to serve Star Alliance connecting passengers starting 2020.
“Three years after the introduction of the new programme, I am pleased to announce that THAI Smile is set to become the next Star Alliance Connecting Partner, which will support us in further strengthening our position as the leading airline alliance network,” said Chief Executive Officer of Star Alliance Jeffrey Goh.
He added: “The partnership with our first Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines, has exceeded our mutual expectations and we look forward to providing our customers with even more choice through the addition of the THAI Smile Airways offer”.
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Passengers with schedules including a transfer between a Star Alliance member airline and a Connecting Partner will get standard Alliance facilities such as passenger and baggage through check-in. Also, passengers with Star Alliance Gold Status will be offered premium customer benefits.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of Thai Smile Airways, Charita Leelayudth, said: “We are delighted that the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board has given the green light for THAI Smile to proceed with our proposal to become a Star Alliance Connecting Partner. This gives us the unique opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the strong Alliance network and at the same time pursue our own business model, providing superior air travel experience for the modern travellers at affordable prices.”
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