Thai Smile Joins Star Alliance

Star Alliance has welcomed THAI Smile Airways as a Star Alliance Connecting Partner, only the alliance’s second ever.

The Connecting Partner Model was first introduced in May 2017, allowing airlines to connect to the Star Alliance network without becoming a member airline. This collaboration is the first of its kind in Thailand.

THAI Smile offers more than 396 weekly flights to 32 destinations in nine countries and regions. As a Connecting Partner, the airline will extend the Star Alliance network by ten new destinations.

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From today, passengers travelling on any itinerary, which includes a transfer between certain Star Alliance member airlines and THAI Smile on a single booking, will enjoy comforts such as passenger and baggage through check-in. In addition, customers who hold Star Alliance Silver and Gold status in any Star Alliance member airline’s frequent flyer programme will enjoy a tailored set of privileges.

Thai Smile

Currently, such privileges are available on eligible connections between THAI Smile Airways and Austrian, Lufthansa, SWISS, and THAI Airways International.

“Our Connecting Partner model was introduced three years ago to offer airlines an attractive way to connect to our global alliance network without requiring full membership, and we are continuing to expand the model to provide customers with more travel options,” says Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh. “I am pleased to welcome THAI Smile Airways today as a Star Alliance Connecting Partner, from which customers will benefit through greater connectivity and enhanced services in Asia.”

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Star Alliance continues to evaluate potential opportunities for future Connecting Partners. Connecting Partners are carefully assessed for their fit into the existing Star Alliance network. Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines was the first airline to become a Connecting Partner in May 2017.

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