Air France-KLM extends India reach

Air France-KLM and Jet Airways India agreed to deepen an existing partnership with offerings on India-Europe routes together, giving the biggest European airline more seamless access to the world’s fastest growing major aviation market. The latest deal will offer travel options for 44 cities in India and 106 destinations across Europe, said Jean-Marc Janaillac, chairman of Air France-KLM. In addition, another partnership between the European group and Delta will help connect India to a trans-Atlantic network with hubs in Amsterdam and Paris. Jet Airways passengers will be able to book a single ticket for a trip to the US and Europe, and fly Delta, Air France-KLM or Virgin Atlantic for different legs of the journey, under the agreement. Flights will be “metal neutral,” meaning revenue will be shared regardless of whose aircraft is deployed. The enhanced tie-up with Jet Airways, 24% owned by Abu Dhabi’s Etihad, brings the European carrier closer to a market where passenger traffic is growing at more than 20% every year. Air France-KLM has significantly strengthened its links with other major carriers in recent months, with an agreement in July to buy 31% of Britain’s Virgin Atlantic Airways while selling 10% stakes to SkyTeam alliance partners Delta and China Eastern Airlines. <br/>