Blue1 joined Star Alliance as the first regional member as early as 2004. On January 1st 2010, Blue1 became a full member of Star Alliance, the world’s first truly global airline alliance.
Star Alliance, the first truly global airline alliance, was founded in 1997. There are 28 member airlines within the Star Alliance network, including SAS Scandinavian Airlines, one of the founding members. Star Alliance has the most extensive route network in the world, offering connections to more than 1,000 destinations in 181 countries.
The Star Alliance network provides a true end-to-end service for frequent flyers to ensure a convenient, smooth and efficient worldwide travel experience. Star Alliance offers complete check-in right through to the final destination with joint terminals in the airports; at Helsinki-Vantaa, all Star Alliance airlines transferred to Terminal 1 in August 2009.
All Star Alliance airlines' frequent flyer programme members earn and redeem miles across all member airlines. Members also receive other member benefits making their travelling easier, such as Gold Members’ access to more than 800 Star Gold Lounges around the world, and the Priority Baggage Service.
Blue1 will deepen its partnership with several Star Alliance member carriers in 2010. New direct Blue1 flights to Berlin and Brussels will bring welcome competition to the Finnish business and leisure travel market. These routes will be operated jointly with Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines.