All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Air India, the national flag carrier of India, have entered into a commercial agreement marking the beginning of a codeshare partnership that will connect Japan and India.
Beginning May 23, this partnership between the two Star Alliance members will enhance flight selection options for travelers, allowing passengers to more easily fly to their desired destinations by combining flights across the two airlines into a single ticket. In addition, both travelers flying on codeshare flights can enjoy premium services such as lounge access and priority boarding that Star Alliance offers to its premium members.
ANA will apply its "NH" code to Air India's flights between Narita and Delhi and Air India will add its "AI" code to ANA's flights between Haneda and New Delhi as well as Narita and Mumbai.
"We look forward to building this strategic partnership with Air India, as it is a significant step towards furthering stronger air connectivity and enhancing customer experience between Japan and India," said Katsuya Goto, Executive Vice President of Alliances and International Affairs. "This collaboration is a testament to ANA's commitment to improving the air travel experience for all of its travelers and we hope this will lead to a seamless travel environment between our two nations."
The two airlines are considering expanding its cooperation by adding additional destinations in the near future. This agreement will contribute to expanding the economic and commercial relations between India and Japan, by offering travelers from both countries new opportunities to discover the wonders of both countries.
Codeshare flights will be available for sale through the airlines' respective websites, reservation systems and travel agencies.
"This codeshare agreement with All Nippon Airways marks an important step forward in connecting India and Japan," said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India. "This collaboration broadens our network connectivity and offers our guests seamless travel experiences and a wider choice of flights between the two countries. We look forward to a successful collaboration with ANA and exploring further avenues for cooperation in the future."
Source: ANA
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3 Comments
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alex
In no other industry is this kind of bait-and-switch marketing acceptable. Imagine booking a comparatively expensive flight on ANA, with its exemplary service and excellent safety record, only to be herded onto a dirty old Air India airplane, with its poor service and notorious time-keeping.
EvilBuddha
Imagine booking a comparatively expensive flight on ANA, with its exemplary service and excellent safety record, only to be herded onto a dirty old Air India airplane, with its poor service and notorious time-keeping.
Air India was privatized a couple of years ago, and it is undergoing merger with another airline in which Singapore Airlines has a 49% stake. Post merger, SIA will have 25% stake in Air India.
Also I am assuming that the maximum flyers on this route will be Indian nationals who are already aware of the kind of service that the (old state-owned) Air India used to give, so any improvement from those depths will be welcome.