What were the highlights for Star Alliance in 2009?
Per Nilson - The arrival of Brussels Airlines and Continental Airlines. Star Alliance now has 27 members, with Brazil's Tam joining on 13 May. Other carriers are expected to join, including Aegean Airlines and Air India. We are setting ourselves no limits on this growth.
Twenty-seven companies, isn't that too many for a coherent offering?
P. N. - On the contrary. The possibilities in terms of network are now colossal. With no other major French carrier in France, we are the best alternative to Air France. This is essential, especially for businesses. This summer, for example, the 22 Star Alliance airlines present in France are offering 1,237 flights a week from French soil. And in the event of a crisis, like the one we experienced with the Icelandic volcano, a broad alliance means we can offer passengers more alternative solutions.
Can quality standards be harmonised under these conditions?
P. N. - The criteria for membership of the Star Alliance are very strict, in order to maintain unity of service and high safety standards. But each carrier retains its own specific characteristics. These are more cultural particularities than differences in service.
What advantages do customers see in such an alliance?
P. N. - In addition to the network, our frequent flyer programme is an essential asset. You can collect miles and spend them with any carrier in the alliance. And the common silver and gold statuses ensure greater recognition for the most loyal customers. With this programme, you can collect miles faster than with Air France! We have also undertaken, throughout the world, to group as many airlines as possible in the same terminal to facilitate travel. In Paris, fifteen carriers are based at CDG 1. Customers benefit from dedicated counters and a lounge that can seat 200 people. Finally, in 2009, we launched Book and Fly, a tool that lets you plan a round-the-world trip and buy it on the Star Alliance website. This is in addition to the twelve fare products already on offer, such as Airpasses by continent.
What about companies?
P. N. - We have increased the number of products we offer. Corporate Plus is aimed at companies with an annual ticketing volume in excess of 500,000 euros. It's a single umbrella contract, including at least three carriers, which facilitates exchanges thanks to a single point of contact. For SMEs, we offer Star Alliance Company Plus. This programme enables them to accumulate points with thirteen airlines, which can be exchanged for free tickets or cash payments. It can be combined with individual frequent flyer programmes. The company earns points, and so do the travellers! Finally, we have created specific products for organising conferences and seminars, with Conventions Plus, followed by Meetings Plus, launched in 2009. They make it easier to manage flights and offer participants discounts of 10 to 20 % on the price of the ticket.
Bio express
Per Nilson, 45, is Swedish and holds an MBA in economics from Stockholm University.
- 1989 Sales Manager at SAS branches in Stockholm.
- 1997 Head of SAS long-haul network.
- 2003 Head of communications, marketing and sales for SAS in Europe (excluding the Nordic countries).
- 2007 Managing Director of SAS for France.
- 2009 Chairman of the Management Committee and spokesperson for Star Alliance in France.
