Star Allance network said it has become the first global airline alliance to introduce an easy and simple-to-use fare finder mobile application.

This comes following the recent successful launch of its Navigator iPhone app, said the Star Alliance network in its statement.

Christopher Korenke, vice president Commercial at Star Alliance said: “With the Star Alliance FareFinder we have responded to our customers' requests for a mobile app which allows them access to our member airlines’ fares.'

'Alongside our existing popular Star Alliance Navigator iPhone app, it places us in pole position in terms of providing customers mobile access to essential alliance travel information,' he noted.

'Using the new FareFinder app, customers can search for either one-way or return fares for flights between any two airports on the Star Alliance network,' Korenke explained.

In order to obtain the information that best matches the customers’ wishes, the app allows for additional search criteria like number of passengers, arrival or departure times, class of service, number of stops, transfer airports and point of sale, the official said.

The app also displays availability so the customers can then select the airline(s) they wish to travel on. Guided by the FareFinder app, customers can then book via the appropriate airline call centre or website, Korenke added.

Commenting on the new offering, Peter Pollak, Lufthansa general manager (UAE) and director (Gulf, Afghanistan & Iraq) said, 'With the new FareFinder iPhone application of Star Alliance, Lufthansa customers now have a powerful tool right at their finger tips.'

'FareFinder allows them to access our fares wherever they are. Lufthansa customers can also see available fares of our Star Alliance partners and those of our Lufthansa Group affiliates,' Pollak added.

The Star Alliance FareFinder app has been developed and powered by ITA Software.

David Peller, general manager for EMEA/India at ITA said: “Having been selected by Star Alliance for this project underscores the fact that we are one of the leading providers for innovative solutions in the travel industry.'

'We are pleased that this technology can now be used by Star Alliance in order to enhance the global Alliance travel experience,' he added

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller.

The members are: Adria Airways, Aegean, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana, Austrian, Blue1, bmi, Brussels, Continental, Croatia, EgyptAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian, Singapore Airlines, South African, Spanair, Swiss, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Thai, United and US Airways.

Avianca-Taca, Copa Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines have been announced as future members. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 21,200 daily flights to 1,185 airports in 185 countries.-TradeArabia News Service