STARAlliance carriers are developing a range of joint products and services which they claim will add millions of pounds in value to their bottom lines.
New initiatives, which include interlineable electronic tickets, more co-operation on frequent-flyer schemes and joint corporate deals, will be implemented over the next 18 months.
Founder United Airlines director of alliances Bruce Harris, said: “Star Alliance will look for automation enhancements, mixed rewards for each carrier’s passengers and one point of contact for customers.”
Internet sales will also be boosted through the group’s Web site which takes bookings for all members.
The move follows the near completion of Star Alliance’s development, which has seen the signatures of British Midland, Singapore Airlines and the Austrian Airlines group over the last two months, making it a 15-strong force of carriers.
Harris said that last year, United gained $200m in additional profit from joint operations with the likes of Lufthansa and SAS. He added Lufthansa had also told its partners that some 25% of profits resulted from co-operation.
But Harris said the group still had a way to go on joint sales initiatives as it does not have anti-trust immunity from some governments. This includes the UK where it has yet to get the go-ahead to liaise with British Midland on joint fares and schedules, meaning there is no single point of contact demanded by agents.