Shenzhen Airlines to Star Alliance!

[AA 1818]

Star Alliance, the way the Earth connects, today announced that its Chief Executive Board (CEB) has unanimously approved the application of Shenzhen Airlines to join Star Alliance.
Jaan Albrecht, CEO Star Alliance said: “With the approval of our Chief Executive Board (CEB) we today formally start the integration process of Shenzhen Airlines, which upon completion will allow Star Alliance to once again enlarge its offer across Mainland China and neighbouring countries.”

Albrecht added, “Shenzhen Airlines is the fifth largest airline in China operating from the fifth busiest airport in the country. In conjunction with Air China, we will be growing our customer offer especially in the southern part of China.”

http://www.thaipr.net/nc/readnews.as...DD09C1028F2B61

Not much of a surprise, but still, Star is begging to feel crowded, and other alliances are seemingly non-existent in that area. BTW, this topic (of them potentially) has likely been discussed before, but this should serve as confirmation...

[TAP-A343]

Not much of a surprise, but still, Star is begging to feel crowded, and other alliances are seemingly non-existent in that area.

This is a replacement for the loss of Shanghai Airlines to Skyteam. Only oneworld doesn't have a member in mainland China, Skyteam has 2 already and soon it will have 3. So I don't see how *A should feel crowded in China.

[CathayPacific]

China is probably one of the only few areas that Star is not overcrowded. There is no surprise here, as Air China basically owns Shenzhen Airlines. I would expect Shandong Airlines to join Star and Xiamen Airlines to join SkyTeam soon.