ALL NIPPON Airways is to officially join Star Alliance next month.
The Tokyo-based carrier will be the ninth airline to link-up with the global alliance at a ceremony in the Japanese capital on October 15 attended by the heads of the other member airlines.
ANA’s strength in North Asia will provide Star Alliance with a powerful position in the region.
Singapore Airlines, South African Airways and British Midland are also set to become members of the alliance.
Announcements are expected by the end of the year, although none of them have officially commented on which of the alliance groupings they will join.