Ethiopian Airlines has become the latest member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline coalition, Asiana Airlines said Wednesday.

Founded in 1945, Ethiopian Airlines is one of the fastest-growing carriers in the region. Sales neared $1.3 billion last year, serving 3.2 million passengers.

The African country’s standard bearer flies to 62 international and 17 domestic destinations, connecting the continent’s East to West. It has a fleet of 48 passenger and cargo aircraft and another 35 on order.

Asiana, another Star Alliance affiliate, said the newest membership will “beef up our network in Africa and boost consumer convenience by sharing check-in counters, mileage programs and airport lounges.”

Star Alliance was launched in 1997 by five airlines ― Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways and United Airlines.

The coalition now boasts 28 members with three newcomers this year, also including Brazil’s TAM Airlines and Greece’s Aegean Airlines, versus SkyTeam’s 15 and Oneworld’s 12.

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)