STAR Alliance this week officially welcomed its EVA Air into its fold, strengthening the airline alliance’s presence in the cross-straits market.
EVA Air becomes the eighth Asian carrier in the alliance and its customers will now be able to access a global network of 28 airlines, 21,900 daily flights to 1,328 airports in 195 countries.
The airline brings to the Star Alliance network two more airports – Kaohsiung International Airport in Taiwan and Surabaya Juanda International Airport in Indonesia.
It also expands the alliance’s presence in the burgeoning cross-straits market, which has grown from an annual passenger volume of just over three million in 2009 to nine million in 2012.
Members of EVA Air Infinity MileageLands Frequent Flyer Programme will be able to collect and redeem miles for flights on any Star Alliance member airlines, while MileageLands Diamond and Gold Card holders will be able to access over 1,000 lounges globally, and enjoy extra baggage allowance on alliance airlines and priority baggage delivery as Star Alliance Gold Status persons.
EVA Air is now a part of Star Alliance’s fare products such as the Star Alliance Corporate Plus agreements, Star Alliance Conventions Plus and Meetings Plus, the Star Alliance Round the World Fare, the Star Alliance Circle Pacific Fare and the Asia Airpass.
Austin Cheng, president, EVA Air, said: “Star Alliance membership gives us the privilege of serving new customers from all corners of the globe and introducing our passengers to the seamless services and status recognition that the alliance provides. As a member, we have the opportunity to introduce travellers to new ways of connecting to destinations throughout Asia via our hub in Taipei.”
