Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance, and which includes Air Canada, has announced that Theo Panagiotoulias has been chosen to become its next CEO, succeeding Charlotta Wieland, who has been interim CEO since January.

Panagiotoulias has more than 25 years’ international experience in the airline and aviation industry and joins Star Alliance from Hawaiian Airlines, where he had been Senior VP for Global Sales and Alliances since 2014.

Previously, he has held posts as VP and GM (Asia Pacific) Sabre Corporation, as well as 15 years at American Airlines, where he held several commercial, operational and management positions.

Panagiotoulias’s appointment is expected to take effect within the coming months, upon the completion of certain administrative processes and clearances.

Wieland returns to Scandinavian Airlines and will rejoin Star Alliance’s Alliance Management Board.

“Theo’s international commercial and airline experience have given him a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry today. I believe he is the right person to lead Star Alliance into the future,” stated said Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines and Chairman of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board.

“Star Alliance connects the world,” said Panagiotoulias. “More than 200 million customers fly with its 26 member airlines each year, on more than 16,000 flights each day. The Alliance has also led the revolution to promote a more seamless passenger experience. I am honoured that I’ve been chosen to lead the Star Alliance team and work directly with our 26 member carriers, as we continue to innovate as the world’s leading airline alliance.”

In 2022, the Alliance celebrated its 25TH anniversary as the longest-running international airline alliance. It also marked several important milestones, including the launch of the world’s first airline credit card with HSBC Australia, and the formation of an intermodal travel model, which extends the Alliance’s network beyond air travel to other transport ecosystems, such as rail networks.

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, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines.