Brazil's biggest airline, TAM, said Tuesday it will soon be part of the Star Alliance after the grouping of carriers unanimously approved its membership.

TAM president David Barioni Neto said in a statement that the adhesion was "a decisive step for TAM, which is being recognized as a world-class airline."

The move, which reinforces a code-share agreement the airline already enjoys with Star Alliance members Lufthansa and United Airlines, will permit greater integration in bookings and pooling air miles for passengers, it said.

AFP