Star Alliance was founded in 1997 by United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, SAS, and Thai Airways.
The alliance launched on May 14, 1997, becoming the first major global airline alliance. Its founding members coordinated schedules, frequent-flyer benefits, airport facilities, and connections while remaining separate airlines. The arrangement helped carriers offer broader worldwide coverage without operating every route themselves.
Star Alliance’s original five members represented North America, Europe, Asia, and the Nordic region. The network later expanded through additional full members and connecting partners. Its familiar logo consists of five interlocking stars, representing the founding airlines.
The alliance is not a single airline and does not replace the individual brands of its members. Travelers can usually earn and redeem loyalty points across participating carriers, subject to each program’s rules. Oneworld and SkyTeam were created later, making Star Alliance the pioneer among the three large global airline alliances.