The Star Alliance airline group has moved ahead in its first joint information technology project, choosing Unisys to develop a pilot implementation for a new integrated communications network called Starnet.
With Starnet, the Star Alliance carriers expect to be able to provide seamless travel, code-sharing and global recognition of passenger awards and privileges.
Development of the Starnet pilot is scheduled for completion in early 1999, with implementation into 35 locations worldwide planned by the end of next year.
Star Alliance members United, Lufthansa, SAS, Air Canada, Varig and Thai Airways International expect Starnet to act as a common interface for their individual systems for processing information on reservations, seat assignments, boarding passes, frequent flyer awards and customer loyalty programmes.
Source: Flight Daily News
