BackAir India membership to see Star Alliance market share rise to 30%
Air India will add a total of 400 daily flights and 35 new destinations in India to the alliance network
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New Delhi: Air India Ltd’s entry as the newest member of Star Alliance, a group of 23 of the world’s biggest airlines, will see the network’s market share in the country rise to 30% from 13%, according to an internal communication seen by Mint.
The integration will take effect from 11 July, the Star Alliance note said. This was first reported by Mint on 24 June.
The board of Star Alliance has formally accepted Air India as its member. “At its chief executive board (CEB) meeting held in London on 23 June 2014, the CEOs of the Star Alliance network unanimously approved the membership of Air India, clearing the way for the national carrier to become the first Indian airline to join a global airline alliance," said the note to its members on Tuesday.
The integration teams at Air India, Star Alliance and its member carriers will now complete the necessary work to ensure Air India can offer all Star Alliance customer benefits from 11 July, the note added.
“We restarted the reintegration with Air India in December last year and just half a year later we are ready to confirm the official joining date. We look forward to welcoming Air India passengers to our global network and offering them our Alliance benefits," Jeffrey Goh, chief operating officer, Star Alliance, said in the note. “At the same time we are pleased to be providing our existing customers improved access to a region which includes the world’s first largest domestic aviation market."
Air India will add a total of 400 daily flights and 35 new destinations in India to the alliance network. The biggest growth will come from its home market, which is being served by 13 Star Alliance members flying to 10 destinations and holding a 13% market share.
Bringing Air India into the equation not only adds more airports but also increases the alliance’s market share in India to 30%.
Globally, passengers will benefit from a wider choice on routes connecting North America, Europe, Asia and Australia via the Indian subcontinent. Reciprocal frequent flyer benefits between Air India’s Flying Returns programme and those of other member carriers will also become effective from 11 July. This will provide customers with more options in earning and redeeming, upgrading and obtaining Star Alliance Gold status.
Customers holding Star Alliance Gold status have access to more than 1,000 lounges across the global network, can check-in at especially designated counters, have an increased baggage allowance and receive priority boarding and baggage delivery. All these benefits will also be provided by Air India.
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