Star Alliance - Star and Gulf Air

Does anyone know if and when Gulf(GF) will be joining Star Alliance

I have never heard such a rumour.

While GF's current CEO (James Hogan) used to be #2 at BD and was briefly CEO of Ansett Mk. III (read, real briefly!) I doubt GF is any kind of major target for the Star Alliance carriers. EK would be a much, much bigger jewel to obtain, but I understand EK have kept clear of alliances (along the lines of SQ's stance for many years).

Who knows what is going on behind closed doors, but I am not so sure GF would add a lot to Star.. but then again we got JK and LO so who knows?!

Personally I'd rather see EK, SA and something Chinese in to complete the picture.

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RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.

My guess is Air China, as rumors are out that LH is holding talks about the possibility of Air China is joining *A.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RichardMEL:


Personally I'd rather see EK, SA and something Chinese in to complete the picture.

</font>

And Virgin Blue perhaps? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Please Joe, say it 'aint so http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif [Shudder].
Think I'd fly Korean before Gulf and that's saying something!!
Would love EK to be in it, but they would tread on far too many toes I think.

Was gunna say no way on VirginBlue, as they don't meet the base criteria for getting into Star, but then I remembered they are opening a clubhouse lounge in BNE very soon and have just signed a deal for most of the old Ansett Golden Wing Club lounge in SYD.
The plot thickens - even though they'd still need to up their ante big time to qualify for membership.

Air China is a good catch strategically wise. Still need something in Africa - plenty of options down from Europe, but precious little in any other direction or internally.

Cheers.

[This message has been edited by Al B (edited 04-04-2003).]

I think we all secretly hope that SAA will join *A, right?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by LondonElite:
I think we all secretly hope that SAA will join *A, right?</font>

It would be great because then JNB-GRU would be possible as part of an RTW.

SAA joining *A would be great. Interesting re DJ, they could open lounges and charge for entry, create a membership thing like QF Club, avoid the whole elite thing but still have the advantage of a lounge if you pay for it, and it could also cater for *G's from other airlines, as the other airlines would reimburse DJ for use of the lounge like they do now, and *G's on DJ would not have access to the lounges unless like in the US, they are members of the ie - UA RCC unless perhaps they hold a connecting flight on a *A carrier.

I've flown Gulf Air and found them fine. I love the i dream of jeannie FA's. How is their safety record??

[This message has been edited by kawoh (edited 04-04-2003).]

I can't see DJ (Virgin Blue) being a member of any alliance anytime soon.. despite the codeshare with UA and talks with NZ/SQ about feed. It would be too expensive for them in many ways I think.

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RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.