At a memorable ceremony in Istanbul, complete with dancing troupe, Turkish Airlines has signed up to join Star Alliance and become the group”s 21st member carrier. Complete integration of systems and facilities will take 18 months.
With its fleet of 101 aircraft and network covering destinations in the USA, Europe, Asia and Africa, Turkish Airlines will allow the Star Alliance network to offer more than 17,500 daily flights serving 927 airports in 162 countries.
The airline”s home base, at Istanbul”s massive Ataturk International Airport, is expected in future to become Star Alliance”s foremost hub at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and act as gateway to various new destinations in Turkey and new connections especially to Central Asia and the Middle East. A very modern structure the airport is host to the Turkish Airlines spacious ”Primeclass” business class lounge, extremely modern, with all the usual facilities including showers and internet facilities. ABTN would not be surprised to learn that Lufthansa is moving in soon from its existing commercially operated lounge.
”With Turkish Airlines joining Star Alliance, we can offer our customers a wider choice of flight options while at the same time expanding our network reach to areas previously not served. Here specifically, Star Alliance will be in a unique position to offer flight connections through, what has historically been, the gateway to both Asia and Europe,” said Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht.
For Turkish Airlines, Star Alliance membership will allow the carrier to expand its customer offer in terms of network coverage, frequent flyer benefits, lounges and alliance fare products. At the same time, Turkish Airlines will participate in all Star Alliance initiatives aimed at reducing costs, while improving customer service, such as collocation at airports, joint lounges, electronic ticketing or joint media purchasing.
The Star Alliance will celebrate its 10th anniversary next June, established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer customers worldwide reach and a smooth travel experience.