Star Alliance Chief Executive Board Elects Michael Rousseau as New Chairperson

The Air Canada President & CEO succeeds United CEO Scott Kirby as the Chairperson

Singapore, December 9th 2024 - Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). He succeeds Scott Kirby, CEO of United, who held the post since December 2020.

Assuming the role as the Chairperson, Mr. Rousseau said: “I am looking forward to working with the board over the next two years to continue our progressive work in delivering a seamless customer experience. At Star Alliance, we are committed to the vision of an effortlessly connected world, and I invite every member of our Alliance to join me in making this vision a reality in 2025 and beyond.”

In his new role as CEB Chairperson of the largest airline alliance in the world, Mr. Rousseau will lead the two annual board meetings and serve as the spokesperson for the board, guiding the strategic direction of the Alliance, which consists of 25 global member airlines.

Congratulating Mr. Rousseau on the appointment, Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias said: “I am delighted to welcome Michael Rousseau, one of the most seasoned CEOs on the board, as the new Chairperson and look forward to working closely with him as we bring the renewed vision of the Alliance to fruition. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to Scott Kirby for his guidance and support to Star Alliance during his successful four-year term.”

Each of the 25 member airlines is represented by its CEO on the CEB, which serves as the Alliance's governing body and sets the overarching strategic direction.

About Star Alliance

Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.

The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.

Star Alliance Press Office: +65 8729 6691; mediarelations@staralliance.com

Theo Panagiotoulias (left) and Michael Rousseau (right)
Joëlle Neeb

Joëlle Neeb

For media requests only

 

 

 

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About Brussels Airlines

About Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines is Belgium's home carrier and one of the network airlines of the Lufthansa Group. From its hub at Brussels Airport, the airline connects Belgium and Europe with more than 90 destinations worldwide, including 18 destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Belgian airline employs more than 3,500 people and operates a fleet of 46 aircraft.

Brussels Airlines is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and works together with Lufthansa Group on a range of initiatives. The airline participates in the Stargate project led by Brussels Airport, signed the Circular Economy agreement of Antwerp Management School, and was the first airline to - early 2023 - transport Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through the CEPS pipeline to Brussels Airport. Between November 2023 and June 2026, Brussels Airlines has welcomed eight brand-new Airbus A320neo aircraft, significantly reducing fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and noise levels across its European network.

As an ambassador for its country, Brussels Airlines brings the world to Belgium and the best of Belgium to the world. The airline showcases Belgian culture through collaborations with Belgian Star Chefs, the promotion of Belgian products on board, and its Belgian Icons aircraft, which celebrate unique elements of Belgium's culture and heritage.

More information on brusselsairlines.com 


About Star Alliance

Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.

Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers almost 18,000 daily flights to over 1,160 airports in more than 190 countries.

Star Alliance Press Office: +65 8729 6691; mediarelations@staralliance.com
More information on staralliance.com

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press@brusselsairlines.com

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