Air India ends talks with Star, paving way for Jet Airways; AI open to talks with other alliances

Air India reportedly plans to open talks with SkyTeam and oneworld, after ongoing plans to enter Star Alliance ended, according to a Business Standard report. Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said, "To be part of the alliance, every member has to agree and that has not happened, especially after the pilots' strike, when we lost a lot of credibility. They [Star Alliance] have practically said no and have sent us a letter last week. We have asked Air India to look for other options and alliances." This paves the way for Jet Airways, which has applied for government permission to join Star Alliance. Mr Singh said, "I think Jet being a private airline cannot be a cause to stop them. It is also a domestic airline and flies with our national flag. It is up to Star Alliance to accept them."