David Kaminski-Morrow / Paris
Italian carrier Air One has initiated moves towards joining Star Alliance, although the carrier has yet to determine whether it will pursue full or regional membership.
The Rome-based operator already has strong links with Star through codeshare agreements with Lufthansa, SAS Group, US Airways, TAP Portugal and Air Canada.
It also has ties with regional Star partners Adria Airways and Croatia Airlines.
Speaking at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Paris, Air One head of network and marketing Giorgio de Roni said that the company “had started” the process towards joining Star and that it was receiving support from Lufthansa.
He says that the airline could potentially become a regional Star partner in 2007, or a full member at a later date.
While the carrier has a handful of international services its primary focus is domestic connections; the airline claims a 30% domestic market share.
Air One is undergoing extensive fleet renewal as it seeks to reinforce this strong position, particularly given the weakened state of flag-carrier Alitalia. Air One has taken delivery of the first two of a batch of Bombardier CRJ900s and will begin introducing A320s into its operations from the beginning of November.
Source: Airline Business
