BANGKOK -- The lingering impact of Sept. 11 is prompting airline companies to "integrate deeper and quicker" into the safety of alliances, and these groups will form the basis of future competition in the industry, a top airline executive said in a recent interview with Japan Times.
"Competition now will be among alliances, not really among carriers," said Jaan Albrecht, CEO of Star Alliance, the world's largest airline group. Albrecht was in Bangkok to explain Star Alliance's strategies and views in the world airline industry.
Alliances enjoy a big advantage over individual airlines by virtue of code-sharing, which enables member airlines to expand their networks and brand awareness simply by letting passengers from the other airlines share their flights.