It seems Star Alliance is still trying to crack Indian market – and is talking to Jet Airways according to Flight.
It seems that Jet Airways has asked permission to the Indian Government to join Star Alliance, with no answer recived as of yet.
Star Alliance has been trying to break into India – its first attempt was with the state owned carrier – Air India. After multiple years of trying to get the integration process complete, Star Alliance suspended negotiations with Air India last year, suspending the airline’s elect status to the alliance.
It seems whilst Star Alliance would be happy to talk to Air India at a later stage, the plan to have a two-airline presence in India is continuing- hence the talking to Jet Airways.
Whilst talks can continue, the Indian government will have the final word if Jet can get its Star Alliance membership.
The aviation picture in India is changing month to month. Kingfisher has fallen hard from grace (from a once large international roster to a much reduced fleet serving domestic destinations only), Indigo seems to be going from strength to strength, Jet Airways trimming itself where needed, and expanding when it can, and Air India getting its 787’s after some delay.
In addition, with Indian airlines now able to sell minority stakes in themselves to entities outside India, the picture looks very changeable over the next year – which could produce some interesting partnerships….
you havent factored the etihad talks .. i am no longer sure if *A will happen with jet.
@AJ
etihad talks to airlines in every alliance. it’s not a reliable indicator of which way it will sway a new partner.
@Harrison. Very true. It’s almost like Etihad is readying its own alliance in the background…