Air India eyes new codeshare with international carriers, winter schedule

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. 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.<br/>