Global airline alliances looking at Indian market

Frankfurt, June 10 (UNI) Star Alliance, the largest global grouping of 17 airlines, is looking for a partner in India so that passengers can have complimentary networks.

Rivals SkyTeam and OneWorld are also bullish about prospects in the Indian market and have started holding preliminary discussions with Indian carriers to attract them into their respective teams.

''We're in talks with Air India (AI) and our partnership is on the cards,'' said Star's director for media relations Markus Ruediger. ''Jet Airways is another potential partner.'' Star is looking for one airline partner in the dynamic Indian market, said Mr Ruediger adding that having two will not feasible.

''We're waiting for the industry to consolidate first to realise how benefits can be exchanged. AI is in the middle of merger with Indian and we want that process to be over after which it may formally join us.'' Star was created in 1997 to offer customers of its member airlines worldwide reach and a smooth travel experience. It is the largest airline alliance in the world with 17 member airlines linking 855 airports in 155 countries. The alliance provides passengers 16,000 departures per day and a combined fleet of nearly 2,800 airplanes.

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