Business Traveller

Connecting the world

Moving its member carriers under one roof at Heathrow T2 means Star Alliance is even better placed to meet the needs of business travellers

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It is an exciting time for the global business community. Major economies are returning to sustained levels of growth. New and emerging markets present fresh opportunit­ies. The world of commerce is vibrant.

Business travellers have hectic schedules and fly more miles than ever. Time is precious – from pulling the front door shut until returning home, every moment of their journey should be as productive as possible. Expectatio­ns of airports and airlines are higher than ever. Star Alliance profoundly understand­s the traveller’s requiremen­ts, which is why efficiency is at the core of its network and operations.

Since 23 member carriers moved under one roof at London Heathrow Terminal 2 – also known as The Queen’s Terminal – last year, one of the slickest airport operations in the world has developed. Priority parking leaves guests only 45 metres from the entrance to the terminal. Fast-track security creates an effortless passage through to airside, where lounge access – shared among the Alliance members – provides ample space for work and relaxation.

The integratio­n of flight connection and baggage handling processes is one of the major benefits derived from having 23 Star Alliance carriers in Terminal 2, and a 24th, Air India, due to join them. Smooth, flexible and reliable transfers are important to customers.

There has therefore been huge investment in technology and services to make the customer experience as straightfo­rward as possible. Mobile apps keep passengers informed about each step of their journey through the airport, from details on flight times and gate numbers to personalis­ed offers and upgrade opportunit­ies.

Star Alliance carriers automatica­lly track real-time passenger and baggage informatio­n on arriving flights. Teams are onsite 24/7 to make sure customers get their luggage and make their connection. If there are delays, the team will do everything possible to make sure passengers catch their next flight. That even includes a personal escort from aircraft to aircraft.

The Star Alliance global route network underpins the effectiven­ess of the airport experience. Its 27 member airlines operate more than 18,500 flights a day to 1,321 destinatio­ns in 193 countries. Frequent flyers can accrue and redeem miles on member carriers and access more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.

Business travellers do not want to spend more time away from family and friends than they have to. Making the travel experience at Terminal 2 as quick and relaxed as possible is, therefore, Star Alliance’s ultimate goal.

heathrowt2.starallian­ce.com

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