AIR INDIA’S bid to join the Star Alliance has been suspended because the India flag carrier did not meet the minimum joining conditions that were contractually agreed to in December 2007.
Following a recent review of Air India’s application status at a meeting between the Indian Ministry for Civil Aviation, Star Alliance CEO, Jaan Albrecht, and the Air India CMD, Arvind Jadhav, the decision to suspend has subsequently been confirmed by the Star Alliance chief executive board.
Star Alliance CEO, Jaan Albrecht, said: “With the collective decision to put the integration efforts on hold, we aim to contribute to Air India’s flexibility to concentrate on its ongoing strategic reorientation. In this process, our member carriers will continue to provide assistance to Air India wherever required.”
Air India’s existing bilateral relationships with Star Alliance member airlines are not affected by the decision, which also leaves room to discuss a potential alliance membership in the future.
