Continental joins Star Alliance, but Air India waits on tarmac

Newark: US carrier Continental Airline has become the 25th member of Star Alliance even as Air India continues its struggle to put its systems in order to join the world's oldest, largest and most comprehensive interline pact.
The formal induction of the US carrier was announced at a ceremony at the swanky Newark Liberty International Airport here Tuesday, attended by the top brass of all the member 25 carriers, besides Air India.
With the formal induction of the new member, the Star Alliance network will operate more than 19,500 flights every day from as many as 1,071 airports in 171 countries.
The main rivals of Star Alliance are OneWorld, led by American Airlines and British Airways, and the SkyTeam, led by Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines. Prior to joining the Star Alliance, Continental was a member carrier of the Sky Team.
Air India has been wanting to join Star Alliance as it entails numerous benefits such as improved product offering, better service standards, access to new markets and premium customers, and partnership with leading global carriers, resulting in enhanced revenues.
This apart, the Flying Returns scheme of Air India would also be integrated with the frequent flier programmes of other members, where miles earned on one carrier can be redeemed with any of the other member airlines.
28/10/09 IANS/Economic Times

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Categories: Foreign Oct 2009, NACIL Oct 2009, New Oct 2009