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Delta Airlines partners with global carriers for enhanced India-Europe-North America connectivity

Delta Airlines partners with global carriers for enhanced India-Europe-North America connectivity
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Webp pieterelbers
Pieter Elbers CEO of IndiGo | IndiGo

On June 1, during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, a significant announcement was made by Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, and IndiGo. The four airlines revealed their plan to establish a partnership aimed at enhancing connectivity between India, Europe, and North America. This partnership is still pending regulatory approvals.

The joint statement from the airlines emphasized India's role as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally. The collaboration seeks to link IndiGo's domestic network with Delta's routes in North America and across the Atlantic, Air France-KLM's reach in Europe and North America, and Virgin Atlantic’s transatlantic presence. This will result in broader access for passengers and more seamless travel experiences.

Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, noted that this marks an important step towards IndiGo becoming a global airline by 2030. He mentioned that the finalized memorandum of understanding (MoU) would expand existing partnerships with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic while introducing a new collaboration with Delta Air Lines.

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“This strategic partnership enables a compelling combined customer proposition in the form of comprehensive intercontinental connectivity, seamless experience, and great loyalty value,” Elbers stated. His sentiments were echoed by Ed Bastian of Delta Air Lines, Ben Smith of Air France-KLM, and Shai Weiss of Virgin Atlantic.

IndiGo also shared plans to expand its international network using Norse Atlantic Airways’ Boeing 787-9 aircraft on lease for flights from Mumbai to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Manchester Airport starting in July. Future plans include flights to London and Copenhagen once additional aircraft are available.

The announcement further detailed planned codeshare networks which would allow IndiGo customers access to KLM’s European destinations from Amsterdam as well as connections through Delta Air Lines and KLM departures to North America. Virgin Atlantic’s network from Manchester will also be accessible following regulatory approval.

Delta is planning its return to India after halting services since 2020 due to market conditions. Once approved by regulators, it intends to operate flights between Atlanta and Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The Blue Skies joint venture involving Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic is under scrutiny by the European Commission concerning competition on transatlantic routes like Amsterdam-New York.

While this MoU awaits final approvals before full implementation, it highlights an increased focus on utilizing Amsterdam or Manchester as key transit points for travel between India and Western destinations.

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