Avianca and Air India signed a Memorandum of Understanding paving way for a future closer commercial cooperation between the two airlines in the form of a code share partnership. The event took place in New Delhi during the annual Star Alliance Chief Executive Board meeting. Both airlines are part of Star Alliance, Avianca since 2012 and Air India being the newest member of the alliance, joined in July 2014 and host for this meeting.

Through a code share agreement both airlines look to facilitate travel on segments operated by both airlines in a seamless process. Passengers will be able to enjoy a single ticket purchase, through check-in of their luggage to their final destination and joint benefits on their frequent flyer program of choice. The code share agreement is subject to regulatory approvals.

“We are always exploring new ways to improve flight options for our passengers and we are looking forward to working with Air India on implementing this agreement in the future,” said Fabio Villegas, CEO of Avianca. “The agreement would mean more access to more cities, better connecting times, seamless travel, and more competitive fares for passengers traveling between both carriers’ home markets, for which Avianca and Air India are the premier carriers”.

“The Memorandum of Understanding is the first step in working towards a code share agreement and implementing the benefits on the markets that each of the airlines can offer to the benefit of its customers. As Star Alliance partners, we are very eager to establish a deeper commercial cooperation with Avianca. The code share with Avianca will enable Air India to reach out to the South American market. This code share will facilitate increased flow of tourist traffic as well as corporate traffic from oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, automobiles and information technology sectors between India and South America”, said Shri Rohit Nandan, Chairman & Managing Director of Air India.