Free golf from Star Alliance!

Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth™, is offering a free round of golf or a free golf lesson to customers taking an international roundtrip flight on any of the member carriers from China between March 1 and May 31, 2007.

The international ticket must be valued at 4000 RMB or more [including taxes].

Star Alliance China Steering Council Chairman Mr. Gregor Wende said:  “We chose golf for this promotion as our research shows that it is one of the favorite sports of our main target group, the frequent international traveler and by offering our customers a round of golf at some of the most sought after golf courses in China or overseas, we are rewarding loyalty with a unique experience.”

In order to participate in this promotion customers need to register online at www.staralliance.com/golf prior to travel, providing both their frequent flyer member details and a valid e-mail address.

This will serve as the central point of the campaign enabling users to ascertain all information about the promotion, to register and to chose their preferred dates and course location.

The microsite contains information on all available courses across the world, as well as links to all the Star Alliance member airlines ticket booking and Frequent Flyer Programmes.

For those not yet participating in any of the Star Alliance member airlines’ Frequent Flyer Programs, signing up for any of these can be done at the same time as registering for this promotion.

Three days after completion of travel, customers will be sent a voucher for either the free round of golf or the golf lesson, which can be redeemed on-line until November 30, 2007.

To support the promotion a golf simulator will be installed at Shanghai Pudong Airport in two locations. This will build awareness and give customers a chance to practice their golf swing.

This promotion is being supported through the programs of the three  Star Alliance member carriers which fly to the China as well as in on-line advertising in leading business and golf websites.

Golf courses in China that are participating in the campaign include Beijing CBD International Golf Club, Nanhu Golf Club, Gunagzhou, various Orient Country Clubs, Mission Hills, Shenzhen and Guangzhou Dragon Lake Golf Club, Beixing Town. Other golf clubs in England, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and Thailand are also eligible.

March 2007 Star Alliance carriers operated 960 international flights in and  In March 2007 the 10 Star Alliance carriers online in China operated 960 international flights in and out of China per week.

When Air China and Shanghai airlines join later this year they will add 998 weekly international flights plus 5949 weekly domestic flights to the Star Alliance network.

About Star Alliance

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer customers worldwide reach and a smooth travel experience. Star Alliance was voted Best Airline Alliance by Business Traveller Magazine in 2003 and 2006 and by Skytrax in 2003 and 2005. The members are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAP Portugal, THAI, United and US Airways. Regional member carriers Adria Airways (Slovenia), Blue1 (Finland) and Croatia Airlines enhance the global network. Air China, Shanghai Airlines and Turkish Airlines have all been accepted as future members and are expected to join Star Alliance soon. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 16,000 daily flights to 855 destinations in 155 countries.

www.staralliance.com

Report by The Mole