Air India, the national carrier of India, recently announced a codeshare agreement with United Airlines. The partnership will enable Air India to offer the customers seamless connectivity to more than 70 destinations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico via United`s hub in Newark.
Under the agreement, Air India will place its “AI” code on United`s flights between Newark and Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Additionally, United will place its “UA” code on Air India`s flights between Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. This will benefit both airlines, as it will increase their reach and provide more travel options to their customers.
The codeshare agreement will also allow passengers to book their entire journey on either airline`s website or travel agent. This will make it easier for travelers to plan their trips and have a hassle-free experience.
Commenting on the partnership, Ashwani Lohani, Chairman and Managing Director of Air India said, “This agreement with United Airlines further strengthens our commitment to provide our customers with the best possible travel experience. It will enable us to provide more travel options to the ever-growing number of passengers traveling between India and the United States.”
The codeshare partnership comes as Air India is working to turn around its financials. The airline has been struggling with debt and has been trying to divest its non-core assets. This move will help Air India generate additional revenue by increasing its reach and tapping into United`s customer base in the United States.
For United, the codeshare agreement will help the airline expand its footprint in India, which is a growing market for air travel. The partnership will also help United compete better with other airlines that offer flights to India.
In conclusion, the codeshare agreement between Air India and United Airlines is a win-win for both airlines and their customers. It will enable the airlines to expand their reach, provide more travel options, and generate additional revenue. This is an exciting development for the airline industry, and we can expect to see more such partnerships in the future.