Star Alliance has a new connecting partner with the addition of Thai Smile, a regional subsidiary of Thai Airways.
Star Alliance introduced the connecting partner model in 2016 to allow the alliance to fill regional gaps in coverage wherever they might exist. Full alliance members are required to offer full connectivity within the airline, while connecting partners only offer connectivity for up to three other alliance members.
Travellers flying via itineraries featuring transfers between connecting partners and Star Alliance members can take advantage of Star Alliance benefits befitting their customer status.
Thai Smile is the second connecting partner to join the alliance. Juneyao Airlines joined in 2017. The partnership will go into effect in 2020.
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