Swiss International Air Lines has been accepted as a future member of the Star Alliance and expects to complete entry formalities over the next 12 months, writes Nicholas Ionides.
Meanwhile, Star has opened talks with Shanghai Airlines on a possible role for the fast-growing Chinese carrier, although it says Air China is its main target.
Star members voted Swiss in as a future member at an alliance gathering in Nagoya, Japan.
Swiss president and chief executive Christoph Franz says the carrier expects to link IT systems and meet all entry requirements within 12 months.
Star chief executive Jaan Albrecht says a first meeting has been held with Shanghai Airlines, which the alliance is "interested" in having as a future member. But convincing Air China to join is Star's main priority, he adds.
Source: Flight International
