Star Alliance approves Air India membership, Air India to join alliance on 11-Jul-2014

Star Alliance CEOs, at its Chief Executive Board (CEB) meeting on 23-Jun-2014, unanimously approved (24-Jun-2014) the membership of Air India, clearing the way for the national carrier to become the first Indian airline to join a global airline alliance. The integration teams at Air India, Star Alliance and its member carriers will now complete the last necessary work in order to ensure that Air India can offer all Star Alliance customer benefits from 11-Jul-2014. Details include:

• Network: 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 currently being served by 13 Star Alliance members operating to 10 destinations and holding a 13% market share. The alliance noted: "Bringing Air India into the equation not only adds more airports but also increases the Alliances market share in India to 30%. Globally, passengers will further benefit from a wider choice on routes connecting North America, Europe, Asia and Australia via the Indian Subcontinent. In total the Star Alliance network will grow to 27 member airlines, offering more than 18,500 daily flights serving 1316 destinations in 192 countries";
• FFP/lounge access: Reciprocal frequent flyer benefits between Air India's Flying Returns programme and those of the existing member carries will also become effective on 11-Jul-2014. 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 1000 lounges across the global network, can check-in at specially designated counters, have an increased baggage allowance and receive priority boarding and baggage delivery. All these benefits will also be provided by Air India. [more - original PR]