Star Alliance, the largest airline alliance serving Thailand, announced on Feb. 15 that its strong support for maintaining operations and smooth connections through the new Suvarnabhumi Airport for all nine member carriers serving Bangkok, Thailand.

"We fully endorse the policy of our home carrier and founding member, Thai Airways International (THAI), to retain its hub operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport", said Jaan Albrecht, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer, summarising the position of the Star Alliance Thailand Country Steering Council. "By moving together under one roof at the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, Star Alliance carriers have signalled their joint intention to offer fast and comfortable connections and services in safe, modern and passenger-pleasing facilities."

Thai Airways International President, Apinan Sumanaseni said: "THAI and Star Alliance's decision to maintain hub operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport will strengthen the region's hub position with the support of the alliance. THAI and member carriers of Star Alliance in Thailand continue to support the Star Alliance 'Move Under One Roof' concept, whereby airport services such as check-in and lounges, are provided by member carriers from the same terminal. By remaining at Suvarnabhumi Airport the member carriers will be able to continue to provide the best in convenient service to Star Alliance passengers for maximum flight connectivity."

The Star Alliance and THAI comments follow recent proposals by Thai authorities to re-open the old Don Muang Airport to some international and domestic traffic which could potentially disrupt connections for Star Alliance customers traveling through Bangkok.

At Suvarnabhumi Airport the "Move Under One Roof" concept is realised by having all Star Alliance carriers grouped together between check-in isles A and K in the single terminal, with Thai Airways International occupying rows A to C. There is also a joint Star Alliance information and ticketing counter. Star Alliance customers can enjoy Thai Airways International loungesislesis and the Star Alliance common baggage service facility on arrival at customer service points.

In addition to Thai Airways International, a further eight Star Alliance member carriers serve Bangkok: ANA, Austrian, Asiana Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SWISS and United. Together, Star Alliance member carriers in Thailand operate around 1000 flights per week out of Bangkok, which represents 47.2 percent of all international seats.

The Star Alliance "Move Under One Roof" strategy is being rolled out around the world. Last year the first dedicated Star Alliance Terminal in Asia was opened at Tokyo's Narita Airport. Across its network the alliance has ongoing terminal projects in Beijing, London-Heathrow, Los Angeles, Madrid, Miami, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Shanghai and Singapore.