My question seems to have been answered. Via the Mint newspaper, it seems like the CEO board of Star Alliance finally voted to receive Air India in their network, and Air India will be joining the network formally about 20 days from now:
State-owned Air India Ltd will join the Star Alliance grouping on 11 July
…
The person cited above said the airline will join the alliance on 11 July and one of Air India’s Airbus A320 will be painted in Star Alliance colours for the event.
As per the Wandering Aramean, Air India has begin to show up on the Star Alliance internal websites as well, and you can check out this information at www.starallianceemployees.com.
There is a formal announcement expected in India later today, followed up by an announcement from Star Alliance later. I am surprised how does AI get the first rights on breaking this news.
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@deo, actually the introduction of AI will most likely kill several trick routes
Hi AJ, finally it’s done. U have been mentioning about it for long. Now you have a job on hand.. Request you to cover a case of how air india miles can be used on star effectively. I have 1.25 lacs+ 2 lac premier miles.
Awaiting your blog.
@VD it is not done yet. Air India has to still join, which would be in 2-3 weeks from now. Let them publish award charts and I’ll be on it.
A huge hole for Star that is finally filled. Remember, India has more connection with the Middle East and Europe, than with Southeast Asia (except maybe Singapore).
So essentially for Star, AI and TK bracket the Middle East. In addition, AI opens up the last big domestic market without alliance traffic to date. Hopefully some hub bank structure will be created at DEL to facilitate these connections.
Can you please publish some sort of a primer for the uninitiated like us? How exactly do we benefit?
@Amit, will do soon.
I am curious to see if any new circuitous Lifemiles itineraries can be created when AI award space starts showing up..
Btw, as I’m sure you know already, AI will start DEL-DME with a 787 in July. Zero announcement on the website as usual.