STAR ALLIANCE
Set up: May 1997.
Founder members: Lufthansa, United Airlines, Thai Airways, Air Canada, SAS.
Other members joined since: Varig joined in late 1997. Ansett Australia and Air New Zealand joined this month. All Nippon Airways is joining on October 19 and Singapore Airlines is set join by the end of this year.
The members serve 760 worldwide destinations in 112 countries.
Benefits offered include access to 250 lounges in Star Alliance branded airport terminals; membership of each other’s frequent flyer programmes; integrated check-in desks; and a growing number of codeshare flights to offer more options.