If MU chose ST. AA will definitely cancel the agreement. CX will not renew the agreement neither but stick with CA as domestic Chinese partner. However, QF will keep the link with MU as QF always do so with other airlines. JL possibly will keep the relationship with MU but may expand codeshare agreement with HU.

In one word, MU will loose if they join ST

I was looking at HU's route map - http://www.hnair.com/hnairweben/abroad/map/map.html - and it fills a couple of interesting OW gaps - Asia-Siberia, Asia-Central Europe (TXL, BUD), lots of domestic Chinese cities, and (of special interest) TPAC service from Seattle. Added to S7 and Kingfisher, they could really lock up the Central/North Asia market for OW.

Local media reaction to their service has been very favorable. IIRC they will be among the first to add 787s to their fleet.

El Al?? really?

More of an update than a news

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S7 Airlines and British Airways conclude frequent flyer programs partnership agreement

April 8, 2010


S7 Airlines and British Airways, one of the leading airlines in the world, entered into a partnership agreement for frequent flyer programs: S7 Priority and Executive Club.


From April 08, 2010 members of S7 Priority frequent flyer program can accumulate miles on British Airways flights and book premium tickets in S7 Priority service center for all directions of the British Airways itinerary network that covers over than 140 destinations all over the world.

To accumulate miles on British Airways flights passengers have to specify S7 Priority card number at booking or provide it during the check-in. To book a premium ticket on British Airways flights at least 15,000 miles are to be accumulated.

For more information on terms of mile accumulation and cost of premium tickets please click here.

“Partnership with British Airways for frequent flyer programs became the next step of S7 Airlines on its way to participation in the oneworld international aviation alliance. Currently British Airways, as an airline that recommended S7 Airlines for the alliance participation, acts as an adviser on special entrance program. By the end of 2010 S7 Airlines will become a full member of oneworld,” - said Vadim Besperstov, chief commercial officer of S7 Airlines.
"As part of S7's move towards full oneworld membership, we're delighted that S7 Priority members can now earn and redeem frequent flyer miles on British Airways flights across the world. Russia has always been of great importance for British Airways and we're glad to have such a big and professional airline as S7 Airlines as our partner here," – said Galina Karzova, British Airways commercial manager Russia and Ukraine.

By the time S7 Airlines joins oneworld the S7 Priority frequent flyer programs will be integrated with similar programs of all alliance members. Furthermore, the airline is to update its internal technologies and processes to common standards of oneworld. S7 Airlines participation in oneworld will provide its passengers with access to the global itinerary network all over the world and new services.


S7 Airlines is the largest domestic airline in Russia and rates among the TOP-50 of the world air carriers by this segment. In 2007 the company received an IATA official notification on its registration in IOSA operators register (IATA Operational Safety Audit) and became the second Russian air carrier to close the international audit for compliance with the operational safety standards.

S7 Airlines is one of the most stable airlines in Russia who employs the latest advances in the industry and is rapidly developing its operations. S7 Airlines is a winner of the annual national award People’s mark / Brand No. 1 in Russia in 2007. Now S7 Airlines has the most modern and “youngest” aircraft fleet among Russian airlines. Average age of aircraft operated by S7 is 6 years.