Lufthansa is expected to host the signing of an informal agreement on "comprehensive co-operation" with Air Canada, SAS, Thai Airways and United Airlines, in Frankfurt on 14 May, as the next step in turning an existing partnership into a cohesive global alliance.
According to Thai press reports, the deal will include co-operation in spares and maintenance and co-ordination of service schedules. It adds that Thai is interested in co-operation with South African and Australian airlines. Lufthansa declines to comment on the reports.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has also confirmed that it has been in discussions with Lufthansa about a possible partnership arrangement, but has ruled out joining a wider, global, airline alliance.
"We're looking for a European partner and certainly Lufthansa is not out of consideration," says the Japanese carrier, but adds: "We've also had talks with other airlines, including British Airways."
ANA says that it is not seeking a worldwide tie-up and has not had any talks with either Thai or United.
Source: Flight International
