Scandinavian Airlines SAS will be saying goodbye to Star Alliance on August 31, 2024, and hello to SkyTeam on September 1.
After a significant investment by SkyTeam member KLM Air France, this Scandinavian founding member of Star Alliance in 1997 is promising members of its Euro Bonus loyalty program SKyTeam benefits with 19 new airlines and to more than 1000 destinations.
SAS restructuring under US Chapter 11 has resulted in a change of allegiance.
Skyteam member airlines include
- Aerolíneas Argentinas
- Aeromexico
- Air Europa
- Air France
- China Airlines
- China Eastern
- Czech Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Garuda Indonesia
- ITA Airways
- Kenya Airways
- KLM
- Korean Air
- Middle East Airlines
- Saudia
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- XiamenAi
Air France-KLM is part of a consortium that is providing SAS with new equity, and it will hold a minority share in the carrier.
Star Alliance today issued a press release saying:
Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have come to appreciate the many benefits of the superior customer experience and loyalty reciprocation that Star Alliance member airlines proudly provide globally and in Scandinavia.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines plans to exit Star Alliance on August 31, 2024. On behalf of our member airlines, we thank SAS and its employees for contributing to the superior customer experience for which Star Alliance is globally renowned.
During this transition, the experience of our customers will be at the forefront of our minds. Star Alliance, its member airlines, and SAS intend to ensure that this change is seamless for customers, particularly with respect to previously booked flights. Members of frequent flyer programs should consult their individual airline programs directly with specific questions related to mileage accrual and redemption for travel within the Star Alliance network.
Going forward, 17 Star Alliance member airlines will continue to offer direct flights to and from Scandinavia, including Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, TAP Air Portugal, Thai, Turkish Airlines, and United.
These Star Alliance member airlines will operate more than 3,700 flights per month to Scandinavia from 23 hubs worldwide, offering customers connections to more than 1,100 international destinations — the most by any airline alliance.
In the future, Star Alliance member airlines may bring additional services to Scandinavia.
On September 1, Star Alliance will have 25 member airlines dedicated to fulfilling and enhancing their customers’ global journeys. Star Alliance continues to hold its position as the world’s largest and foremost global airline alliance, providing over 17,000 daily departures and serving more than 1,100 airports across 187 countries.
In Scandinavia, Star Alliance and its member airlines will continue to provide customers with a wide choice of travel options and focus on delivering a superior customer experience.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.
Star Alliance member member airlines are:
Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 17,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 187 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.