Airlines working on synergy

New Delhi: Even as newer airlines take wings and consolidation to carve out bigger airline companies becomes the norm, there’s lots more happening on the ground.
Besides code share (or seat share on international routes) agreements among different airlines, foreign carriers are seeking interline e-ticketing arrangements and reciprocity of frequent flyer programmes with domestic Indian carriers to enhance customer experience.
The US-based Continental Airlines recently tied up with Kingfisher Airlines for frequent flyer and airport lounge access reciprocity and future codesharing. Kingfisher is now in talks with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic for a similar tie-up.
American Airlines, after signing an interline e-ticketing arrangement with Air India, is now in talks with other Indian carriers. Virgin Atlantic too is scouting for a ‘partner’ in the Indian skies.
With partnerships in the air, increased frequency and flexibility is in store for passengers. For instance, the e-ticketing interline arrangement of Kingfisher and Continental Airlines will enable a passenger to fly from Indore to New York via Mumbai, with his baggage being automatically transferred at Mumbai airport.
25/07/07 Vishakha Talreja/Economic Times

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Categories: General Aviation Jul 2007