Asiana Airlines will leave Star Alliance on December 16, ending more than 23 years as a member of the world’s largest airline alliance.
The departure comes as the South Korean carrier prepares to merge with Korean Air, a member of the SkyTeam alliance. The merger is scheduled to take effect on December 17.
Asiana joined Star Alliance in 2003 and became one of the alliance’s principal members in Northeast Asia, connecting Seoul with destinations across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania.
Star Alliance said customers will continue to receive alliance benefits until the carrier’s departure. Members of Star Alliance frequent flyer programs will be able to earn miles on Asiana-operated flights departing on or before October 15, while award travel and upgrades on the airline will remain available for eligible travel completed by December 16.
Elite status benefits, including priority services and lounge access, will also continue until the airline formally exits the alliance.
The departure has long been expected following Korean Air’s acquisition of Asiana. Once the integration is completed, the combined airline is expected to operate within the SkyTeam network, where Korean Air has been a founding member since 2000.
Following Asiana’s exit, Star Alliance will have 25 member airlines. The alliance said 14 member carriers will continue serving Seoul Incheon International Airport, operating more than 1,900 monthly flights to 29 destinations worldwide.
The merger between Korean Air and Asiana will create one of Asia’s largest airline groups, bringing together the country’s two biggest full-service carriers under a single brand.
