Star Alliance grew yesterday, and added an important tick in its network coverage with Avianca Brasil joining the alliance.
Star Alliance welcoming Avianca Brasil – Image, Star Alliance
Avianca Brasil has been the odd child out in the Avianca family, originally founded as Ocean Air in 1998, and purchased by Synergy Group (owner of Avianca) in 2004. It missed the initial join of Avianca group into Star Alliance in 2012.
It finally made the grade and joined Star Alliance on 22nd July 2015.
For Star Alliance, it fills a big gap – domestic coverage in Brazil – a spot long neglected after the ejection of Varig in early 2007 and with TAM joining then leaving in March 2014.
Avianca Brasil adds 15 new destinations in Brazil to the Star Alliance network. An additional 12 destinations are already served by Star Alliance carriers.
In total, 27 airports will be served by Star Alliance carriers in Brazil.
Avianca Brasil operate a fleet of Airbus narrow-body aircraft, using A318s, A319s, and A320s, with the airline holding orders for the wide-body Airbus A350-900.
Avianca Brasil competes with TAM (oneworld), GOL, and Azul in the fight for passengers in Brazil.
For passengers, it is a real boost as it makes connections that bit easier.
Speaking of passengers, the usual reciprocation of lounges, elite access, priority luggage delivery and such now applies as the Amigo frequent flyer programme gets Star Alliance badges on them. The exact matching is:
- Amgio Silver = Star Alliance Silver
- Amigo Gold = Star Alliance Gold
- Amigo Diamond = Star Allaince Gold
For Star Alliance passengers, its a welcome return – with Brazilian destinations reconnected to the network.
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