VARIG Is Out of Star
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 21 December 2006
VARIG to leave Star Alliance
Viação Aérea Rio-Grandense S.A. (VARIG Brazilian Airlines or “old” VARIG) will no longer be a member of Star Alliance as of 31 January 2007. This decision was prompted by the current restructuring of the airline in which “old” VARIG continued to be a Star Alliance member, operating a reduced flight schedule on behalf of a new company, VRG Linhas Aéreas S.A. (“New” VARIG).
With “new” VARIG now having been granted an official air operator’s certificate (CHETA - Certificado de Homologação de Empresa de Transporte Aéreo) by the Brazilian authorities, “old” VARIG will in future no longer fulfil the pre-requisites for Star Alliance membership.
“In order to deliver the Star Alliance benefits, products and services to customers around the globe on a consistent basis, our member carriers work to certain standards and processes. Unfortunately, “old” VARIG will no longer operate as a network airline and will therefore have to give up its membership in the alliance”, said Jaan Albrecht, Star Alliance CEO.
Star Alliance and its member carriers will ensure that the impact of this decision on international travellers will be kept to a minimum.
“Star Alliance continues to offer the most intercontinental flights serving more cities in Brazil than any other alliance and will continue to expand its services in this important and growing aviation market”, Jaan Albrecht added.
Star Alliance member carriers Air Canada, Lufthansa, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal and United together provide more than 270 weekly flights to Africa, Europe and North America from six destinations in Brazil. In parallel the alliance is exploring various options to secure a wider presence in the region.
Note to editor:
Star Alliance member airlines will continue to grant VARIG’s Smiles card holders with Star Alliance Gold or Star Alliance Silver Status the following privileges when travelling on any of their flights until the end of January 2007.
Source:http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/press_releases/2006/20061221_RGleavingstaralliance.html
What a sad news to hear the VARIG is out of Star Alliance due to its corporational restructuring.
VARIG to leave Star Alliance
Viação Aérea Rio-Grandense S.A. (VARIG Brazilian Airlines or “old” VARIG) will no longer be a member of Star Alliance as of 31 January 2007. This decision was prompted by the current restructuring of the airline in which “old” VARIG continued to be a Star Alliance member, operating a reduced flight schedule on behalf of a new company, VRG Linhas Aéreas S.A. (“New” VARIG).
With “new” VARIG now having been granted an official air operator’s certificate (CHETA - Certificado de Homologação de Empresa de Transporte Aéreo) by the Brazilian authorities, “old” VARIG will in future no longer fulfil the pre-requisites for Star Alliance membership.
“In order to deliver the Star Alliance benefits, products and services to customers around the globe on a consistent basis, our member carriers work to certain standards and processes. Unfortunately, “old” VARIG will no longer operate as a network airline and will therefore have to give up its membership in the alliance”, said Jaan Albrecht, Star Alliance CEO.
Star Alliance and its member carriers will ensure that the impact of this decision on international travellers will be kept to a minimum.
“Star Alliance continues to offer the most intercontinental flights serving more cities in Brazil than any other alliance and will continue to expand its services in this important and growing aviation market”, Jaan Albrecht added.
Star Alliance member carriers Air Canada, Lufthansa, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal and United together provide more than 270 weekly flights to Africa, Europe and North America from six destinations in Brazil. In parallel the alliance is exploring various options to secure a wider presence in the region.
Note to editor:
Star Alliance member airlines will continue to grant VARIG’s Smiles card holders with Star Alliance Gold or Star Alliance Silver Status the following privileges when travelling on any of their flights until the end of January 2007.
Source:http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/press_releases/2006/20061221_RGleavingstaralliance.html
What a sad news to hear the VARIG is out of Star Alliance due to its corporational restructuring.