The new partnership is in the air now; this Air India - Air New Zealand Partnership will introduce a new codeshare agreement covering 16 routes across India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Both airlines are a part of the Star Alliance, having signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve air connectivity between India and New Zealand. This Agreement was signed in Mumbai in the presence of New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon and other key officials.
Travel Options for the Passengers
As part of the deal, a new codeshare partnership will be introduced on the 16 routes covering India, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. This results in the passengers will have more travel options and easier connections between the two countries. Travellers from Dubai, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai can now fly with Air India and seamlessly connect in Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore to Air New Zealand flights heading to Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown.
India-New Zealand Flights By 2028?
The agreement of partnership also includes plans to explore a direct India-New Zealand flight by 2028, depending on the availability of the aircraft and government approvals. Creg Froan, CEO of Air New Zealand, highlights India's fast-growing tourism market and increasing travel demand. He states, "We are determined to function collaboratively to boost the travel market over the coming years, securing a strong foundation for a thriving direct service by 2028".
Air India Boosts Global Reach
Air India has newly expanded codeshare arrangements with Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines and All Nippon Airways. The CEO of Air India, Campbell Wilson, highlighted that this deal aligns with the airline's global expansion strategy, "This partnership will not only strengthen journeys but also help us develop traffic that in time to come, we may viably operate a non-stop service between India and New Zealand, which we and the Air New Zealand have committed to exploring together with the respective authorities.
About the Flight Availability
The New codeshare flights will be available for booking progressively, subject to regulatory approvals. This move is expected to enhance travel options while strengthening ties between the two nations. It will result in the better performance and connectivity of Air India partner airlines and also benefit the travellers who travel to the destinations across the above-mentioned countries.