Air India and Lufthansa Group have broadened their current codeshare alliance, incorporating
nearly 60 extra routes spanning 12 Indian cities and 26 European destinations.
Travelers making their way between India and Europe are in for an exceptional experience. Air
India and Lufthansa Group have considerably enhanced their long-standing codeshare
collaboration.
The newly updated agreement includes a fresh codeshare with Austrian Airlines, in addition to
the expansion of existing codeshares with Lufthansa and SWISS. This results in almost 60 new
codeshare routes, connecting 12 Indian cities to 26 European locations.
Overall, the number of codeshare routes among Air India, Lufthansa, and SWISS has increased
from 55 to nearly 100. The new alliance with Austrian Airlines brings in an extra 26 routes.
This strategic initiative not only fortifies the relationship between these airline giants but also
presents a wealth of opportunities for travelers.
Significant Codeshare Expansion
For customers of Air India, this expansion translates to access to an impressive 26 European
destinations along with three American locations – Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Washington
D.C. This is in addition to their current gateways in Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich.
Passengers can utilize the “AI” designator code on Lufthansa flights to cities such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, or the historic streets of Prague. Likewise, SWISS flights connect to locations like Manchester and Nice, while Austrian Airlines introduces routes to Lyon and Valencia.
On the other hand, customers of Lufthansa Group will benefit from Air India’s extensive
domestic network, which connects them to 15 major Indian cities, including Ahmedabad,
Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Additionally, Lufthansa Group airlines will place their codes on Air India’s international routes to
Kathmandu, Melbourne, and Sydney, thereby broadening their global presence.
Improved Connectivity
The expansion also reinforces current routes. For instance, the well-traveled Delhi to Frankfurt
route will now feature three daily flights in both directions with “LH” flight numbers, enhancing
flexibility and convenience.
Both airlines are dedicated to gradually introducing more destinations into their codeshare
agreements, ensuring ongoing growth and enhanced connectivity.
Star Alliance Advantages and Customer Loyalty
Air India and the three Lufthansa Group airlines are esteemed members of the Star Alliance.
This enables frequent flyers to consistently earn and redeem points/miles across all four
carriers.
Elite status members of Air India’s Maharaja Club and Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More
programs will benefit from Star Alliance Gold privileges. These include priority services,
additional baggage allowances, and access to airport lounges globally.
Comments from Airlines
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, underscored the airline’s ambition to
connect customers worldwide. “The enhancement of our partnership with Lufthansa Group
represents a step in that direction, and we are excited to elevate this long-standing
relationship.”
He also emphasized the chance to exhibit Indian hospitality to Lufthansa Group patrons.
Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, resonated with this sentiment,
expressing enthusiasm about fortifying the partnership and enhancing the travel experience.
He remarked, “By further strengthening our collaboration, we will broaden the travel options
between Europe and India, providing our passengers with improved access to a wider array of destinations.”
Looking Ahead
The codeshare flights will be gradually opened for sale through the respective booking
channels of the airlines, contingent upon regulatory approvals. This expansion marks a
significant advancement in enhancing travel options and connectivity between India and
Europe, ensuring a more seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers.
Members of frequent flyer programs will also reap the benefits of the codeshare expansion.
Since both Air India and Lufthansa Group carriers are part of the Star Alliance, passengers can
accumulate and redeem miles across various airlines. Members with elite status enjoy
additional perks, including priority check-in, increased baggage allowance, and access to
premium airport lounges. This collaboration enhances the overall travel experience, making
long-haul journeys more efficient and rewarding.
“Our aim is to facilitate our customers’ ability to travel from any part of the world to another
through Air India and its partner airlines. The expansion of our partnership with Lufthansa
Group is a significant move in that direction,” stated Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer
of Air India. With regulatory approvals still pending, these newly integrated routes will gradually be available for booking through the respective airline channels.
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