TOKYO, Japan - February 18th, 2008 - Star Alliance has received the Market Leadership Award from specialist publication Air Transport World^®. This is the first time that the leading monthly magazine covering the airline industry has selected a global airline alliance for an award.

“In choosing Star Alliance, the editors are recognising its leadership position in constructing a seamless travel product for the traveller. This is demonstrated by the introduction of collocated and joint check-in facilities at multiple airports, shared lounges, Star Connection Centres and the compatibility of loyalty programmes,” said Perry Flint, Editorial Director and Associate Publisher of Air Transport World. “Furthermore, the development of StarNet and the selection of a common IT platform have set standards on how to establish an IT infrastructure for 19 member carriers and three regional member carriers. Star Alliance’s combined efforts are symbolised through the common-branding of representative aircraft from each alliance member,” he added.

“We are very proud of ATW’s Market Leadership Award. Even more so as this is the first time an alliance has received this prestigious award,” said Jaan Albrecht, CEO, Star Alliance. “Our leadership results from hard work and close cooperation with our member carriers. We will not rest on our laurels, but continue to be a frontrunner creating efficient products and services for our member carriers and customers.”

Other laureates include Star Alliance member carriers Air New Zealand (ANZ) and Singapore Airlines (SIA). While ANZ received the Passenger Service Award specifically for its product and service delivered to the customer, SIA was selected Airline of the Year honouring the airline’s overall performance.

Star Alliance will be presented with the award at Air Transport World's gala awards dinner at Swissôtel Singapore - The Stamford this evening.