Well that didn’t take too long for Avancia-TACA to join in the Star Alliance party. After a couple of weeks of announcing the codeshare with Lufthansa, Avancia-TACA has been accepted as a member to be of Star Alliance.
Following behind them, and much delayed is Copa Airlines. Copa (who were part owned by Continental at one point) exited SkyTeam when Continental left – however it has been sitting on it’s hands working out if it wanted to join Star Alliance. It’s finally pulled the trigger and is also signing up to Star Alliance too.
Both members are expected to join the alliance formally in one year to 18 months depending on systems integrations and other formalities.
It also gives Star Alliance a backup plan, if the combined LAN/TAM entity decides it will wholly swing to OneWorld.
SkyTeam has in the area AeroMexico, and Aerolineas Argentinas joining it’s alliance.
I don’t think this will be the last of the overtures in the area – the battle for South America for the airline alliances is joined…
