Vijay Mallya-led Kingfisher Airlines has announced that it will be joining the global airline grouping oneworld that would enable it to offer passengers an enhanced choice of routes serviced by member airlines and vice-versa.
“The agreement was concluded at a meeting between Kingfisher Airlines' Chairman Vijay Mallya and Chief Executives from oneworld's 11 existing member airlines,” a statement from the airline company said.
Kingfisher will become the first Indian carrier in the alliance that includes American Airlines, British Airways and Finnair. With around 400 daily departures, Kingfisher will bring to oneworld 58 new Indian destinations, enhancing the alliance's portfolio of routes.
800 destinations
Including Kingfisher, oneworld has a total of about 800 destinations in 150 countries, to which the alliance flies with around 2,350 aircraft.
The starting date of membership will be announced once India's aviation authorities approve Kingfisher's application.
“Kingfisher Airlines on Tuesday applied to India's Ministry of Civil Aviation for authority to proceed with its membership of oneworld,” Kingfisher said. It generally takes around 18 months to complete the membership formalities.
