AviationBangkok-based carrier connects to a global network.

Smile! Star Alliance has a new partner

By Travel Weekly Asia

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Jun 05, 2019

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Thai Smiles is joining Star Alliance as a Connecting Member.

Thai Smiles is joining Star Alliance as a Connecting Member.

The Bangkok-based full service regional carrier will become the second Connecting Partner, joining China’s Juneyao Airlines.

THAI Smile Airways is to become the next Connecting Partner in the global network of the Star Alliance.

The Bangkok-based full service regional carrier will become the second Connecting Partner, joining China’s Juneyao Airlines.

The Connecting Partner model was established by Star Alliance in 2016 to complement its membership model.

In contrast to full membership in the Alliance, requiring building of commercial ties with all full members, the more regional Connecting Partner scope calls for commercial relationships with a minimum of three carriers only.

Customers travelling on an itinerary which includes a transfer between a Star Alliance member airline and a Connecting Partner will be offered standard Alliance benefits such as passenger and baggage through check-in.

In addition, customers who have achieved Star Alliance Gold Status in their frequent flyer programme will enjoy premium customer benefits.

THAI Smile Airways, a subsidiary airline of Thai Airways International, will add 11 new destinations to the Star Alliance network when its entry is confirmed, most likely by the end of the year.

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