The Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance has 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.

The newly created LATAM became a member of the oneworld Alliance following the deal.

“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 Star Alliance chief executive Mark Schwab.

“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.”

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 São Paulo – Guarulhos and Rio de Janeiro – Galeão/Antônio Carlos Jobim.

“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, Avianca Network. 

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.