The Hindu Business Line : Skyteam, Oneworld alliances bullish on India

"The need and potential of having an Indian airline in the alliance has increased. We have held exploratory discussions with Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher about joining the alliance. Sooner than later we will have an Indian airline joining the Skyteam,'' said the Skyteam Chairman, Mr Leo M. Van Wijk.

The alliance has 10 airlines as members including Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Continental Airlines, KLM and Northwest Airlines.

Growth markets

The Managing Partner of Oneworld, Mr John McCulloch, added that India was a very interesting aviation market and which Indian carrier would join which global airline alliance would become clear in the next few years.

"India and China are the next growth markets and the global airline alliances will see more participation from both these nations,'' Mr McCulloch said.

The Oneworld Alliance includes British Airways, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas and Royal Jordanian.

Both the alliances are in Vancouver to participate in the 63rd Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Aviation hub

The Oneworld Alliance also believes that India is set to become a major aviation hub in the next two to five years. "All the activity that is taking place in the aviation sector be it the purchase of aircraft, the development of airports or the strong growth in the economy and the growing demand will ensure that India becomes an aviation hub,'' Mr McCulloch felt.