Shanghai Airlines invited to join Star Alliance, full membership seen in 2007

SHANGHAI (XFNews) - Shanghai Airlines Co Ltd said it has received the first invitation to a Chinese carrier for entry into the Star Alliance, and will likely become a full member within 12 months. Speaking at a news conference, officials from Shanghai Airlines, Star Alliance and its member airlines said they will work toward developing the second terminal of Shanghai's Pudong airport as one of two future alliance hubs in China. The second hub would be in Beijing with prospective future alliance member Air China, which has applied for membership.