STAR ALLIANCE WELCOMES NEWEST MEMBER - US AIRWAYS.

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WASHINGTON, May 31 /PRNewswire - AsiaNet/

Addition Will Significantly Expand Star Alliance Network Throughout the Eastern United States

The Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance today unanimously approved the application of US Airways to join the world's largest airline alliance. The addition of US Airways significantly expands Star Alliance's network in the business hubs of the eastern United States and in the Caribbean.

"US Airways offers Star Alliance business and leisure passengers significant advantages," said Jaan Albrecht, chief executive officer, Star Alliance. "For business travelers, the addition of US Airways means unparalleled access to the most extensive airline network in the eastern United States; for leisure travelers, the expanded network also means more destinations in the Caribbean and Florida from which to choose."

The addition of US Airways will increase the number of airports served by the Star Alliance network from 700 to 771, while the number of countries served will grow to 133 from 128.

"Expanding the reach of our network through Star Alliance will create enormous benefits both for our customers and our business," said David N. Siegel, US Airways president and chief executive officer. "To Star Alliance's members and customers, US Airways brings value with our strong presence in the eastern United States, where 70 per cent of all travel to Europe originates, as well as our growing presence in the Caribbean. Star Alliance customers entering the U.S. through our premier international gateway in Philadelphia will experience the nation's most modern international terminal, which just opened this month."