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Air India to join Star Alliance
Friday, 14 December, 2007
New Delhi/Beijing, Dec 13 (ANI): Air India, the country's biggest overseas carrier, is all set to join the Star Alliance, one of the three global airline groupings.
At their annual Board Meeting, the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of the Star Alliance member airlines today voted to accept the application of Air India to become a future member of the alliance.
"India has long been on the radar of Star Alliance; after all it is one of the world's fastest growing economies and aviation markets. Having now come to an agreement with Air India makes us the first airline alliance to secure a member in India, which will enable our customers to receive more benefits when travelling to, from and within India in the future", said Glenn Tilton, Chairman and CEO of United Airlines.
Expressing his happiness over the development, Air India Chairman and Managing Director Vasudevan Thulasidas said: "Air India is delighted in being invited to join Star Alliance. This invitation comes in the wake of Air India's merger with India's leading domestic carrier Indian Airlines, thus making Air India the prime player in the Indian subcontinent."
"In addition, the recently announced fleet expansion of over 100 aircraft will help Air India serve the travelling public better in terms of global reach and services. In being selected as a future Star Alliance member, Air India will add value to passengers patronising member airlines of the alliance," he added.
The specialised teams at Air India, Star Alliance and its member carriers will now be working on the integration process. After completion of this process Air India will become a part of the Star Alliance network.
The carrier will gain access to the over 16,000 daily flights operated by Deutsche Lufthansa AG, UAL Corp.'s United Airlines and the other 17 Star members. (ANI)
--MP
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