AI in talks for frequent-flier pact with Continental

Mumbai: Air India (AI) is in talks with US-based Continental Airlines to enter into a frequent-flyer programme (FFP) partnership with the carrier. If the partnership is approved, Flying Returns members of AI will be able to accrue mileage while travelling on Continental Airlines as well as redeem mileage for tickets on Continental and vice-versa.
Arvind Jadhav, chairman and managing director, AI, told FE, “We are in talks with Continental Airlines for the FFP, but it will take some time for the agreement to happen because some formalities need to be taken care of.”
Partnering Continental could help the public sector airline since the environment currently is highly competitive. Earning miles on one carrier and burning them on another is a global phenomenon and carriers in Europe, US and even the Gulf region have partnered with international carriers to enhance their FFP portfolio and earn more passengers.
On the international front, AI is pitted against much powerful international airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa and British Airways, among others.
These airlines offer good connectivity to the US and Europe. Enhancing FFP partnerships with global carriers seems viable for AI wherein it can offer value-added services to its passengers.
05/01/10 Shaheen Mansuri/Financial Express

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Categories: Air India - International Jan 2010, Foreign Jan 2010, NACIL Jan 2010, New Jan 2010