Speaking exclusively with T3 on the sidelines of the ongoing TRENZ in Rotorua, New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, CEO, Air New Zealand revealed that the airline is in talks with Air India for a possible codeshare to fuel footfall via Australia on the back of the national carrier’s Sydney/Melbourne connectivity. Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, Air India and the Government of India have been discussing this possibility, and a decision is expected on the same within a week, he added.
According to him, the India market shows great potential, reflected in the increased footfall from the country in the summer season. If numbers increase further, the airline could even consider direct connectivity at a later stage, he shared.
“India is a difficult market to operate in as the aviation industry is chaotic owing to the government changing its regulations frequently. Having said that, it is a growing market, and the new connectivity via Singapore through our alliance with Singapore Airlines has proven beneficial, and we hope the codeshare with Air India comes through too,” Luxon said
