The decks have been cleared for Air India to restart its integration with the Star Alliance, a global network of 28 airlines. On Friday, the alliance invited Air India to join its network following a meeting of Chief Executives in Vienna. The process is expected to be completed in three months.
Air India had been inducted into the Star Alliance in Beijing in December 2007. But in August 2011, the airline’s application for membership was put on hold for not meeting parameters contractually agreed to in 2007.
Speaking to
“It is not the only solution to the problems that an airline faces, but being in an alliance helps,” added Tyler. “It gives big airlines marketing power and the ability to grow.”
Star Alliance, which was created in 1997, serves over 1,300 airports globally. The combined fleet strength of the members is over 4,700 aircraft. The Alliance, through its member airlines, has a presence in over 195 countries.
Members include Lufthansa, Air Canada, Air China, Singapore Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Thai Airways, United Airlines and US Airways.
Air India becoming part of the alliance will mean that flyers on the Maharaja could get better fares, frequent-flier benefits and lounge facilities during their international travels.
Seamless travel The flag carrier’s passengers will also be able to travel seamlessly with all the airlines that are members of the Star Alliance. Thus, a traveller buying a ticket from, say, Coimbatore, will be able to travel to New York on Air India and then connect on a US Airways flight effortlessly.
At present, since Air India is not a member of the Star Alliance, this passenger would have to buy two tickets, which invariably would result in higher travel costs.
Alliances are particularly appealing to corporate travellers for the greater connectivity and convenience they provide, noted IATA’s Tyler.
( The writer is in Geneva at the invitation of IATA .)