The Hindu Business Line : Air India is now Star Alliance member

New Delhi, Dec. 13 With Air India’s entry into Star Alliance, the 20-member global airline group, on Thursday, its passengers can look forward to better fares, frequent flier benefits and lounge facilities during their international travels.

The decision to include Air India into the group was taken by the board of Star Alliance in a meeting held in Beijing. The Alliance board comprises CEOs of member airlines.

Commenting on the development, the Chairman and Managing Director of Air India, Mr V. Thulasidas, said, “Air India is delighted in being invited to join Star Alliance. In being selected as a future Star Alliance member, the company will add value to passengers patronising member airlines of the alliance.”

“In addition, the recently announced fleet expansion of over 100 aircraft will help Air India serve the travelling public better in terms of global reach and services,” he said.

With the possibility of Air India setting up a European hub in Munich or Vienna, joining Star Alliance would help its operations as most of the European airlines were its members.

The Chairman of the Star Alliance board, Mr Glenn Tilton, who also heads United Airlines, said, “India has long been on the radar of Star Alliance. It is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and aviation markets. Having now come to an agreement with Air India makes us the first airline alliance to secure a member in India.”

To work out the detailed modalities of Air India’s inclusion into the Alliance, specialised teams at Air India, Star Alliance and its member carriers will now start working on the integration process, an official release from the airline said.

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