The influential five-airline alliance comprising international giants such as United Airlines and Lufthansa is understood to be targeting Asia to broaden its reach.
The alliance - announced last week and to be known as the Star Alliance - has so far brought together United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Thai International and SAS.
However, partners present at last week's briefing in Hong Kong on the tie-up made it clear they were targeting further members to join the alliance.
Sources close to the carriers involved in the alliance suggest its main remaining need is for an additional Asian member.
With two European airlines, two North American carriers and one Asian airline, analysts said it was clear the alliance would be looking to add a second carrier in the fastest growing aviation region in the world in the near future.
While Thai provides a comprehensive network within Asia, the sources suggested the alliance still would be interested in winning access to extensive additional route possibilities in Asia.
In particular, the alliance is believed to be keen on gaining a comprehensive gateway to Greater China. Officials at the Hong Kong briefing on the Star Alliance refused to comment on whether any negotiations had so far taken place with any of China's carriers.
