British Midland becomes 15th airline of the world's largest airline grouping

British Midland, the UK's second largest airline, is to join Star Alliance on 1 July. The Alliance, formed in 1997, currently comprises 14 airlines worldwide rising to 15 with British Midland's entry.

From 1 July, British Midland customers will be able to take full advantage of Star Alliance membership. This includes access to 500 lounges worldwide, plus integrated frequent flyer privileges and through check-in, bringing seamless global air travel.

British Midland chairman, Sir Michael Bishop said:

"I am delighted that from 1 July, British Midland will become a member of Star Alliance, the world's largest airline network. We are already a major player in the European market place and membership of Star Alliance allows us the opportunity to offer our customers a global network of destinations and services.

"With the convergence of the airline market, this is an essential element of the future growth and development of British Midland.

"In joining a global airline alliance, we are able to offer greater opportunities to optimise the global route network and help develop Heathrow as the only airport in Europe to be the centre of two competing alliances.

"In addition, I am confident that Star Alliance membership will maximise growth opportunities for the airline and for our staff."

From 1 July members of Star Alliance will be: Air Canada, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Ansett Australia, Austrian Airlines, British Midland, Lufthansa, Mexicana, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, United Airlines and Varig.