Star Alliance aircraft. Photo: Janice Chen / Shutterstock.com Star Alliance marks almost three decades of existence. The world's largest airline alliance is marking 29 years of growth and cooperation among member airlines today, May 14, 2026.
The anniversary comes amid the aviation group's continuous focus on creating more seamless global travel experiences.
Founded in 1997 as the world’s first global airline alliance, Star Alliance has gradually turned into a network of 26 member airlines catering to over than 1,150 airports spread across 190+ countries.
The recent addition of ITA Airways has further expanded the alliance’s footprint across Italy and Europe, offering travelers additional connectivity and smoother transfers across member carriers.
As international travel demand continues to recover and evolve, Star Alliance said customers increasingly expect journeys that feel connected from start to finish, even when flying on multiple airlines.
"Customers increasingly expect journeys that feel effortless and connected from end to end, even when moving across multiple member airlines."
"Across the Star Alliance network, member airlines continue working closely together to align systems, services, and customer touchpoints, helping journeys flow in greater rhythm and harmony across the network," said Star Alliance."
Among the latest developments is the opening of the new Star Alliance Lounge at Guangzhou Terminal 3, strengthening the alliance’s presence at one of Asia’s major aviation hubs. The alliance also continues expanding its Star Connection Centers at airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, designed to help passengers make smoother connections between member airlines.
Star Alliance has also continued to receive industry recognition for its customer experience efforts. At the Skytrax World Airline Awards, the alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile, its lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport retained the title of World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge for the second straight year.
The alliance also earned recognition at the World Travel Awards, where it was named the World’s Leading Airline Alliance for the sixth consecutive year. Its lounge in Los Angeles was also recognized as North America’s Leading Airport Lounge for the sixth year in a row.
As Star Alliance approaches three decades of operations, the organization says it remains focused on strengthening connected travel experiences and improving coordination across its vast international network.