SAA to join Star Alliance

South African Airways is expected to join the Star Alliance this summer. The airline will be the first from Africa to join the group. The global alliance of 15 carriers, including United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa and BMI, confirmed that SAA had applied to join and should be accepted as a member in June. USAirways is also due to sign up this year. Star Alliance chief executive Jaan Albrecht said: “We are always interested in adding quality airlines, particularly those which akready have long-standing and successful relationships with out member carriers.” He added that SAA would “significantly enhance” the Star Alliance network across Africa and beyond. Report by Phil Davies