At its Chief Executive Board (CEB) Meeting held in London earlier this week, the CEOs of the Star Alliance network unanimously approved the membership of Air India, clearing the way for the National carrier to become the first Indian airline to join a global airline alliance. The integration teams at Air India, Star Alliance and its member carriers will now complete the last necessary work in order to ensure that Air India can offer all Star Alliance customer benefits from 11 July 2014 onwards.
Commenting on the decision, Jeffrey Goh, COO, Star Alliance said, “We restarted the re-integration with Air India in December last year and just half a year later we are ready to confirm the official joining date. We look forward to welcoming Air India passengers to our global network and offering them our Alliance benefits. At the same time we are pleased to be providing our existing customers improved access to a region which includes the world’s fifth largest domestic aviation market.”
Rohit Nandan, Chairman and Managing Director, Air India said, “Air India worked hard to meet the exacting expectations prior to joining and today, we are elated to be inducted into the Star Alliance family. It is indeed an honour and privilege, to be the first airline from India to join the alliance. We eagerly look forward to extending the benefits and privileges of Star Alliance to passengers from 11 July.”
Air India will add a total of 400 daily flights and 35 new destinations in India to the Alliance network. The biggest growth will come from its home market which is currently being served by 13 Star Alliance members flying to 10 destinations and holding a 13 per cent market share. Bringing Air India into the equation not only adds more airports but also increases the Alliances market share in India to 30 per cent. Globally, passengers will further benefit from a wider choice on routes connecting North America, Europe, Asia and Australia via the Indian Subcontinent. In total the Star Alliance network will grow to 27 member airlines, offering more than 18,500 daily flights serving 1,316 destinations in 192 countries.
Reciprocal frequent flyer benefits between Air India’s Flying Returns programme and those of the existing member carries will also become effective on 11 July 2014. This will provide customers with more options in earning and redeeming, upgrading and obtaining Star Alliance Gold status.
Customers holding Star Alliance Gold status have access to more than 1,000 lounges across the global network, can check-in at specially designated counters, have an increased baggage allowance and receive priority boarding and baggage delivery. All these benefits will also be provided by Air India.
