Star Alliance has announced plans to launched a co-branded credit card, which will offer cardholders the opportunity to earn miles and points.

Few details have been confirmed about the forthcoming card, which will be launched in an unspecified “regional market” – reports suggest that points earned on the card will be convertible into a Star Alliance member carrier frequent flyer programme of the cardholder’s choice.

The news was announced as Star Alliance celebrates its 25th anniversary this month, following an agreement between United Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways, Air Canada, and Lufthansa on May 14, 1997.

As part of the celebrations the alliance – which now counts 26 member carriers – is set to unveil a number of “exciting campaigns and customer innovations under the new brand tagline ‘Together. Better. Connected.’”.

Among these include the imminent expansion of its Digital Connection Service – which was launched at Heathrow in 2019 – to “a key European hub”.

Star Alliance also highlighted “the progressive ability to reserve seats and track baggage location on codeshare flights and multi-carrier journeys through the digital channels of member carriers”, and the expansion of its Star Alliance Biometrics service to Hamburg airport.

Star Alliance biometrics launches at Hamburg airport

New options for paid-access of alliance lounges at Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Rome, Rio, Buenos Aires and Paris are also being “progressively rolled out”.

Commenting on the news Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Star Alliance, said:

“We reflect on the successes of Star Alliance in uniting the leading global airlines, with an eye firmly focused on a future where the customer continues to be at the heart of our work and our global network.

“I am very excited for the innovations led by Star Alliance and our members carriers as we aim to be the most digitally advanced airline alliance offering seamless travel experiences with a unique loyalty proposition.

“This year, we look forward to further developments in seamless connectivity – such as new digital and mobile innovations – and exciting industry-first offers that loyal customers of our member carriers will welcome.

“We have defined the way the Earth connects for years, and now more than ever, is the time to enable technology to provide seamless journeys and delight the loyal customers of our member carriers.

“I am happy that ‘Together. Better. Connected.’ – our new tagline – reflects that earnestly and is also future-facing. It will motivate us to do better.”

staralliance.com