| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 17/04/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 30 |
| Copyright: Other |
Partners targeted in China, India and Africa
STARAlliance executives are targeting strategic airline partners in China, India and Africa.Only Africa, with Wings member Kenya Airways and Qualiflyer member South African Airways, has committed any airlines from the three regions. Singapore Airlines deputy chairman and chief executive Dr Cheong Choong Kong and Lufthansa chairman and chief executive Jurgen Weber both pointed to China as the main target for a new member.
Talks are on going with carriers China Eastern and China Southern to join the group but the two chief executives would not say which they preferred. Chinese airline Air China is close to joining Wings, while Cathay Pacific and partner Dragonair offer China routes for Oneworld.
Within India, options for Star Alliance are limited as state-owned Air India does not yet have the service which the group requires. The airline’s planned joint Indian operations with Virgin Atlantic, partly owned by new Star Alliance member SIA, may help its cause. African options are also limited but it is thought looser alliances with regional carriers may be forged.