Star Alliance looks to add budget units of members as partners

Star Alliance is looking to include low-cost units of its members as partners as more and more people flock to budget carriers lured by cheaper fares. “Many of our members and many airlines around the world are moving a lot to lower-cost platforms,” CE Jeffrey Goh said at the Singapore Airshow. “We want to find a way of recapturing these markets offering the benefits and privileges that they used to have and enjoy. We want to use this connecting partner model.” Star Alliance’s move is a recognition that budget carriers have captured a significant chunk of global airline traffic with lower ticket prices and on-time flights. Low-cost airlines are doing much better than expected, and their next frontier would be low-cost, long-haul travel, Alexandre de Juniac, CE of IATA, Monday. <br/>