Air India’s entry into Star Alliance network will be delayed due to the slow integration of Air India and Indian Airlines, following government approval in 2007 of a merger.
A spokesperson for the global airline grouping said: “Before Air India can join Star Alliance, the airline must complete its merger with Indian Airlines. Part of this process involves both airlines moving to a new and single passenger service system, which is being provided by SITA.
“The integration process has admittedly been taking longer than originally expected.”
The airline was first invited to join Star Alliance in December 2007. The new entry date has been reset to mid-2011.
Membership in Star Alliance is expected to improve the cash-strapped Air India, increasing passenger loads and expanding its route network. The Indian government has also stepped in to save the ailing carrier, announcing recently that it would inject US$260 million in new funding (see news).
For more, visit www.airindia.com or www.staralliance.com
Alisha Haridasani