Scandinavian carrier SAS has announced it will leave the Star Alliance on 31 August and then begin working closely with the members of the rival SkyTeam alliance.
SAS said it was in “advanced negotiations” with SkyTeam and its member airlines to “develop and grow extensive commercial relationships”.
The airline added that its customers would be able to enjoy loyalty benefits with “most SkyTeam airlines” from 1 September.
SAS has previously confirmed plans to eventually join SkyTeam after its financial restructuring saw founding SkyTeam member Air France-KLM take a 19.9 per cent stake in the Scandinavian carrier in October 2023.
The airline said it had worked closely with both alliances over the past six months to “ensure a smooth transition” for customers and its EuroBonus loyalty scheme members.
Paul Verhagen, chief commercial officer at SAS, said: “We are thrilled to progress on our alliance transition journey and pave the way for delightful new destinations and loyalty programme benefits across the world.
“Our focus now is to guide customers and our EuroBonus members on each step during this transition. We look forward to sharing more details as our journey progresses.”
SAS customers and loyalty members will continue to earn and use EuroBonus points with Star Alliance partners until 31 August. The airline also confirmed that it would keep the EuroBonus programme when it leaves the alliance.
Italian carrier ITA Airways is expected to move in the other direction - from SkyTeam to Star Alliance - if its proposed acquisition by Lufthansa Group goes ahead.