The company supports the world's leading global airlines, leasing companies, and government with comprehensive, individually tailored aircraft care services.

"The global airlines of the future will be grouped around a relative handful of these systems."

Air New Zealand was now a global airline.

On 7 December 2005, it was announced that Jetstar would establish the world's first global low-cost airline.

The same reasoning could apply to a global airline that installs a speech driven check-in system.

"We decided it is not possible for one airline by itself to be a truly global airline," Sir Colin said.

"So we set out in search of other associations to give us and our customers the equivalent of a global airline."

It was also intended to help the airline regain its status as a global airline by re-establishing a sizable transpacific presence.

"The world is moving to the formation of global airlines," Mr. Maldutis said.

The alliances are Mr. Carlzon's attempt to capture more passengers and become a truly global airline.