Egyptair is in talks to join the Star Alliance and is expected to be revealed as a new member in mid-October.
The carrier has upgraded its computer systems, which form a cornerstone of alliance co-operation, and has signed codeshares with Star Alliance members bmi, Lufthansa and TAP Portugal. Bmi chief executive Nigel Turner said at a recent briefing: "Egyptair, we know, is hopefully joining Star Alliance in the very near future and that will be a great addition."
Star subsequently announced plans to hold a press conference in Cairo in mid-October to announce a "membership development". If the airline is accepted into the alliance as expected, full integration normally takes between a year and 18 months. Egyptair would be Star's first member from an Arab country and the second in Africa after South African Airways.
Source: Airline Business