OREANDA-NEWS. Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance today agreed to extend Avianca’s membership of the Alliance to include its partner Avianca Brazil. The unanimous decision marks the first step in Star Alliance’s strategy to secure its position in the Brazilian market following current member airline TAM’s decision to leave the Alliance as a consequence of its merger with LAN.

“I am pleased that we have been able to secure Avianca Brazil as an addition to our network in Latin America’s largest country, biggest economy and most important aviation market”, said Mark Schwab, CEO Star Alliance. “Avianca Brazil is an expanding carrier and by working together we can build a network which will provide the essential connectivity we are looking to offer, while at the same time allowing Avianca Brazil to increase its international footprint.”

“Today marks an important day in the history of our company. Being part of the Star Alliance family will be beneficial to our own development and we look forward to welcoming Star Alliance customers in the not too distant future”, said German Efromovich, Chairman of the Avianca Network.

As a first step in the integration process, experts from  Avianca Brazil, the Star Alliance member carriers serving Brazil and Star Alliance management will jointly work on enhancing Avianca Brazil’s network. The aim is to facilitate seamless connections via the major hubs in Sгo Paulo – Guarulhos and Rio de Janeiro – Galeгo/Antфnio Carlos Jobim.

The integration expert teams at Star Alliance, Avianca and Avianca Brazil will now commence the necessary work in order to include the Brazilian carrier in the Alliance during 2014.