Star Alliance and Mexicana Airlines, as expected, formally agreed at an alliance management board meeting in Frankfurt to terminate their relationship March 31 (ATWOnline, Nov. 11). According to a joint announcement released in Frankfurt Friday, both Mexicana and other alliance members "express their commitment to maintain the current Star Alliance product, including frequent-flier and lounge access benefits," until the March 31 cutoff date. Mexicana's seven-year-long codeshare accord with United will expire Dec. 31. "We now have the freedom to look for the best option," Mexicana spokesperson Adolfo Crespo told Dow Jones. "A lot of companies have approached us, so we'll look for the best choice to increase our destinations."