Lufthansa Systems today announced that Star Alliance has recently extended the contract for operating the global Star Data Network by another five years. This decision underscores the trust Star Alliance places in Lufthansa Systems’ managed WAN solution. Star Data Network connects the member carriers’ IT systems, guaranteeing the nonstop exchange of data between 26 international airlines.

Star Data Network is a unique network cluster that serves all Star Alliance airlines, connecting all of the member carriers’ data centers with one another. The network is based on the latest version of SkyConnect from Lufthansa Systems. SkyConnect itself utilizes a multi-provider and multi-technology model that enables Lufthansa Systems to provide its customers with a solution that is perfectly tailored to their individual business processes. The intelligent coupling of secure Internet-based technologies with state-of-the art data connections results in the highest levels of availability and stability. At the same time, SkyConnect gives Lufthansa Systems an independent choice of network operators. This combination of technical stability and provider neutrality ensures a high level of operational reliability for the network, offering a decisive advantage for the Alliance as a whole.

“We were very satisfied with the performance of the Star Data Network and with the collaboration with Lufthansa Systems on this solution during the initial contract period,” said Justin Erbacci, VP Information technology at Star Alliance. “After careful evaluation of other potential options, we therefore decided in favour of extending the contract with Lufthansa Systems for a further five-year term.”

Star Data Network offers all Star Alliance members secure, high-availability access to global distribution systems (GDS) while also offering a platform for the daily exchange of thousands of messages relating to flight operations. “Star Data Network is Star Alliance’s data management backbone and the primary channel for the overall flow of data between the member airlines,” explains Bardo Werum, Senior Vice President Infrastructure at Lufthansa Systems. “These data include details of passengers, luggage and information about mileage programs – all of which must be handled with top priority and the utmost confidentiality. Networking the data in this way delivers significant synergy effects between the airlines and for the Alliance as a whole.”

One special feature of the solution is its interface to U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Star Alliance members flying to destinations in the USA use the Star Data Network to submit applicable passenger details to the authorities as required by law. Lufthansa Systems was the first provider to create such an interface and make it available to the airlines.

Star Alliance is the leading global airline alliance. Together, its 26 members operate 20,800 flights per day to 1,300 destinations in 189 countries.