At their annual Board Meeting, the CEO's of the Star Alliance member airlines have voted to accept the application of Air India to become a future member of the alliance. Glenn Tilton, Chairman and CEO of United Airlines, in his capacity as the Chairman of Meeting said: "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."

"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", said Vasudevan Thulasidas, Chairman and Managing Director, Air India.

The specialised teams at Air India, Star Alliance and its member carriers will now be working on the integration process, which once completed, will make Air India a part of the Star Alliance network, currently consisting of 19 members.