who were the members?
VARIG, Ansett Australia and Air New Zealand.
Additions
The now defunct Brazilian airline VARIG joined the Star Alliance network on 22 October 1997, extending the alliance into South America. Also joining were Ansett Australia and Air New Zealand, 
is turkish airlines a member of the star alliance Yes, from December 2006. what is this alliance? The world's largest global airline alliance. why was it formed? UNANSWERABLE
Air Canada Express, Air New Zealand Link, Lufthansa Regional and United Express It was formed with ive airlines on three continents: United Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways, Air Canada, and Lufthansa. United Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways, Air Canada, and Lufthansa, to name a few.
Star Alliance Star Alliance Star Alliance
Members and affiliates 1997–1999: First alliance 1997–1999: First alliance
Founding member.
Airlines operating under Air Canada Express, Air New Zealand Link, Lufthansa Regional and United Express are not necessarily members of Star Alliance. On 14 May 1997, an agreement was announced forming Star Alliance from five airlines on three continents: United Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways, Air Canada, and Lufthansa. On 14 May 1997, an agreement was announced forming Star Alliance from five airlines on three continents: United Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways, Air Canada, and Lufthansa.
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Star Alliance [SEP] Additions
The now defunct Brazilian airline VARIG joined the Star Alliance network on 22 October 1997, extending the alliance into South America. Also joining were Ansett Australia and Air New Zealand, expanding Star Alliance to Australia and the Pacific. With the addition of the latter two carriers, the alliance served 720 destinations in 110 countries with a combined fleet of 1,650 aircraft. The next airline to join was All Nippon Airways (ANA), the group's second Asian airline, on 15 October 1999.