Air India also announced that it has been invited to join the prestigious Star Alliance, the only Indian member to be part of the group. The move will offer Air India access to more than 16,000 daily flights operated by the 17 Star members around the world that include Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Air Canada. In return, Air India’s large network of flights to and within India will benefit the other Star Alliance partners. The announcement caps an historic year for the international carrier, which merged with Indian Airlines in the summer and has contracted for more than 100 additional aircraft to dramatically expand its fleet.
“India enjoys one of the fastest growing economies in the world, attracting visitors and major international investment in record numbers. We are increasing nonstop service to meet the rising demand for more convenient travel to India,” noted Mr. P.S. Rajagopal, Air India’s Regional Manager, USA. “We are also proud to be invited to join the Star Alliance Network, which will allow us to significantly enhance the quality of our service and diversity of destinations we can offer our customers.”
As part of its modernization plan, Air India also launched this year an ambitious refurbishing program of its fleet of 747-400 jetliners, and will soon boast one of the youngest fleets in the industry. In addition to its service from JFK International Airport, it offers direct service to India from Newark (New Jersey), Toronto, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Vicky Karantzavelou - Wednesday, December 19, 2007