GURUGRAM- Tata Group-owned, Air India (AI) is planning to expand its network through codeshare agreements with international carriers.
Indian full-service carrier is already a Star Alliance member, allowing it to extend its network with 25 full-time and around 40 affiliates.
Air India Codeshare Opportunity
Gurugram-based carrier, Air India will advance its global network strategy through new codeshare partnerships with Air Canada (AC) and United Airlines (UA). These agreements mark significant network expansion following Air India’s privatization.
The United Airlines codeshare will be Air India’s first partnership with a major US carrier, helping to enhance passenger connectivity in the competitive India-US market.
Despite both airlines’ Star Alliance membership and route competition, no previous codeshare existed between them.
The Air Canada partnership revival will build on a pre-privatization agreement, strengthening Air India’s North American presence. These partnerships enable Air India to offer passengers seamless travel benefits, including single itineraries, through check-in, and frequent flyer miles accumulation.
The airline’s merger with Vistara triggers network partnership restructuring. Vistara’s existing agreement with Japan Airlines faces termination, while Air India pursues expanded collaboration with global carriers.
Codeshare agreements provide airlines with broader revenue opportunities compared to interline arrangements. These partnerships allow participating carriers to market flights jointly, with operating airlines granting partners access to expanded fare categories.
New Codeshare Deals
Air India is preparing new alliance agreements with Lufthansa (LH) and Singapore Airlines (SQ), aiming to harmonize existing partnership features. The airline develops Delhi and Mumbai as major hubs while negotiating equitable terms with partner carriers.
The carrier expands its international network through new European and Asia-Pacific routes. Air India launched Zurich services in June and commenced Kuala Lumpur operations last month, enhancing Delhi’s hub connectivity.
Air India transfers all Vistara codeshare and interline bookings beyond November 12 to corresponding Air India flights. The airline evaluates Vistara’s partner relationships based on alignment with the merged entity’s alliance and network strategy.
Lufthansa confirms with Hindu Businessline its plans to enhance its established Air India partnership. Singapore Airlines, Air India’s strategic partner since 2010, maintains codeshare operations and anticipates future commercial collaboration opportunities pending competition clearance.
The carrier strengthens Star Alliance partner relationships, emphasizing reciprocity and equity principles to improve passenger connectivity.
Air India Express will play a key role in codeshare deals with international carriers as it will allow foreign carriers to penetrate deep into the domestic market on a single ticket.
Air India currently operates flights to 29 countries across five continents (except South America).
Also Read: Air India Begins A320 Aircraft Transfer to AI Express
Record Winter Schedule
Indian airlines increase weekly flight operations to 25,007 for the winter schedule starting October 27, 2024, marking a 3% rise from the current summer schedule’s 24,275 flights. The new schedule represents a 5.37% growth compared to winter 2023 operations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirms service expansion to 124 airports, despite dropping from 125 airports in the summer schedule. The winter schedule extends from October 27, 2024, to March 29, 2025.
Airlines add Pondicherry airport to their network while suspending operations at Pakyong and Tezpur airports for the winter season.
Air India Express leads domestic capacity expansion with a 46% year-over-year increase in weekly flights. The airline adds 34 aircraft, expanding its fleet to 88, targeting 100 aircraft by March 2025.
SpiceJet implements the most significant capacity reduction, cutting weekly flights by 39%. The airline faces fleet reduction amid industry-wide supply chain challenges and Boeing delivery delays due to regulatory issues and labor strikes.
IndiGo maintains market dominance, scheduling 13,691 weekly flights, representing 54% of total domestic operations. The carrier plans a 4% increase from last winter’s schedule.
Regional carrier Star Air emerges as the second-fastest growing airline, increasing flight frequency by 45.75% compared to last winter.
The overall industry growth slows compared to 2023’s 8% winter schedule expansion. Current supply chain disruptions and aircraft delivery challenges constrain capacity addition plans.
Feature Image by (1) Clément Alloing (@CAlloing) / X
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