Air India, Star Alliance back on talking terms

New Delhi: Talks have revived between Air India and Star Alliance, raising hopes that the debt-ridden national carrier may get to join the largest international grouping of airlines.
Representatives of Air India and Star Alliance met last month in Delhi, people close to the development told ET. This meeting came about three months after the alliance had denied entry to the ailing carrier in August on the grounds that it did not meet the minimum joining requirements as stipulated in the contract signed in 2007.
"There was some discussion between the two parties on the sticking points and the airlines that had voted against Air India in July are understood to be reviewing their stance," a senior official from the aviation ministry said.
An official from Air India who did not wish to be named said that since the membership was "suspended" and not closed, a breakthrough is possible in the next couple of weeks.
Star Alliance did not reply to an email in this regard.
Officials said hopes have brightened since a new CEO, Mark Schwab, is taking over at Star Alliance in January.
30/12/11 Anindya Upadhyay/Economic Times

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Categories: Air India Dec 2011, Foreign Dec 2011