In a move designed to help “future-proof” itself against another pandemic or global disruption, the Star Alliance says it will diversify its operations by establishing a second management office in Singapore later this year. Currently the alliance of 26 global airlines, including Air Canada, is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Chief Executive Board decision to establish another office is considered to be an important dimension of positioning the Alliance to deliver on its post-Coronavirus strategy, and for it to remain innovative, resilient and nimble, SA said in a release.

It added, “All businesses are reimagining a post-pandemic world fundamentally changed by COVID-19, and the associated disruption to global networks, economies, and the livelihoods of many. A consequence of the world’s reaction to COVID-19 has been the destabilizing effect it has had on aviation.”

The Singapore office will complement the long-standing office in Frankfurt and will focus on progressing its strategy in digital customer experience. Two members of the Alliance, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines, have established innovation hubs in the city, another benefit as the Alliance continues to evolve its digital customer experience.

Singapore was selected based on considered criteria, such as access to innovation and global competitiveness. Singapore has also been ranked highly for the ease of doing business by the World Bank on a consistent basis and has been ranked the most competitive country in the world on several occasions.