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 Business Line in Geneva, Tony Tyler, Director-General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said the announcement did not surprise him. “Nowadays if you are a network airline covering a significant part of the globe, it is helpful to be in one of three alliances.” The other two top alliances are OneWorld and SkyTeam.
“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.
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