12 employees given leadership awards

Star Alliance CEOs have given 12 employees at six carriers, special awards to recognise them for “demonstrating active leadership and excellence in Star Alliance initiatives.”

The 12 worked on two projects – Automated Document Check and Star Alliance Connections.

Carriers target 2009 to join Star Alliance

Business strategy and the downturn in the economy are both factors driving more carriers to join Star Alliance in 2009. Carriers that announced earlier that they will join are Air India, Continental and TAM, all working towards joining during the year. The Alliance is also working with Central American airlines and European carriers that are also eyeing a linkup with Star Alliance in 2009. Brussels Airlines is the most recent airline to be accepted as a future member. A joining date will be set later.

Brussels Airlines to join Star Alliance

Brussels Airlines has become the latest airline to announce its intended membership in Star Alliance. CEOs of the member carriers voted to accept the airline’s application at a meeting in Chicago. Brussels joins Air India, Continental and TAM on the list of carriers who are expected to join the alliance either in 2009 or soon the following year. Integration usually takes 12 to 18 months to complete.

Condolences to be sent to Air New Zealand

Thanks to everyone who sent in their condolences to our employee website over the past few days. As NZ employees return to New Zealand from France, we will gather the comments and send to employees in Auckland.

Star Alliance Connection Centre opens in Charlotte

Star Alliance has opened its ninth Connection Centre (SCC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. The SCC operated on a trial basis since Oct. 7, and saved 177 bags and over $10,000 US for the four carriers operating in Charlotte - Air Canada, Lufthansa, United Airlines and US Airways. The staff at the centre monitors connections between the carriers and dispatches bag runners as soon as it appears bags might not make their onward connections.

Air New Zealand loses four employees; condolence messages to go to NZ

Employees will gather in Auckland Dec. 5, wearing black armbands to say farewell to four of their colleagues who died in an accident off the coast of France last week. One of its A320s, leased to German carrier XL Airways, went down in the Mediterranean while on a test flight prior to the aircraft being returned to Air New Zealand.

Star Alliance lounge now open at CDG

The Star Alliance lounge, with first and business class sections - at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport, is open for business. The facility is 850 square metre on two levels, and can seat 213 customers.

Voice recorder from NZ A320 found

French search and rescue divers have recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the A320 that was lost in the Mediterranean on Friday. The recorder appears to be in a good condition. It has been sent to Paris for examination.

(updated) NZ support team to aid efforts in France

Air New Zealand has a support team in place in Perpignan, with New Zealand-based staff including CEO Rob Fyfe enroute to France as search and rescue efforts continue. Fyfe is accompanied by representatives from the airline's security, safety investigations, A320 fleet and communications divisions. Also travelling on the flight will be representatives from the New Zealand Police, NZ Airline Pilots Association, and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission.

Both airports in Bangkok closed; operations normal in Mumbai

Both major airports in Bangkok have now been closed after anti-government protesters stormed the terminal at Don Muang airport. The country's main international airport, Suvarnabhumi was closed early Wednesday because of protests calling for the government's resignation.