Air India's new partnership makes Australia travel easier
What's the story
In a bid to boost connectivity and make travel between India and Australia easier, Air India and Virgin Australia have signed a new codeshare agreement.
Under this unilateral pact, Air India can place its 'AI' code on flights operated by Virgin Australia.
The partnership will especially benefit passengers traveling from Delhi to Melbourne or Sydney, providing seamless onward connections to 16 destinations in Australia and New Zealand.
Expanded connectivity
Partnership covers 16 cities across Australia, New Zealand
The codeshare agreement covers 16 cities: Adelaide, Ballina/Byron Bay, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston Melbourne Newcastle Perth Queenstown (New Zealand), Sunshine Coast and Sydney.
With this collaboration, passengers can travel on a single ticket with their baggage checked through to their final destination.
The partnership will streamline the travel experience for passengers flying between the two countries.
Strategic alliance
Virgin Australia, Air India express excitement over partnership
Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Virgin Australia, said he was excited about the partnership.
He noted that "India is a growing tourism market for Australia," and this partnership will prompt travelers to discover more of Australia.
Echoing similar sentiments, Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, said "Australia is one of Air India's most important international markets," and this partnership will offer greater ease and access for the Indian diaspora across the continent.
Flight details
Air India operates 14 weekly flights between India, Australia
Currently, Air India operates 14 weekly flights between India and Australia. These include non-stop daily services from Delhi to Melbourne and Sydney on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Passengers traveling on these routes will now get to experience Business and Economy Class services on Virgin Australia's flights, as part of the new codeshare agreement.