Air India plans to establish more than 10 additional codeshare partnerships this fiscal year with the aim of significantly enhancing connectivity for airlines in North America, Europe and Africa.Since its acquisition by the TATA Group about two years ago, Air India has signed 19 codeshare agreements, but not before. For comparison, Indigo, which holds the position of India's largest airline, maintains around 10 codeshare partnerships.Air India maintains codeshare arrangements with airlines such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada, allowing connectivity to more than 80 destinations. Additionally, our dialogue partnerships with 109 airlines allow us to access over 800 locations around the world.The airline aims to achieve 25% annual growth in its international operations over the next three years, with similar expansion already apparent in 2025, officials told ET.“These partnerships are an important part of our international strategy,” the official said. “They allow us to provide wider connectivity in markets that we don't have a direct presence, especially in parts of North America, Europe and Africa. They also help drive feeder traffic to long-haul flights and improve aircraft use.”Air India uses a dual international approach. Authorities say it will expand its footprint in secondary urban centres within the strategic market, while accessing fresh territory through airline partnerships.The joint arrangement has encouraged travel of over 25,000 passengers each week, doubled passenger volume and tripled booking revenue.According to DGCA statistics, Indian Airlines transported 48.5% of international travelers with India in 2024. TATA Group's aviation entities – Air India, recently integrated Vistara, Air India Express – accounted for 26.1% of this share.“Expanding network reach is important in competition with established airlines in the Middle East and Europe,” the source said. “Each partnership enhances both geographic coverage and visibility in the global reservation system.”
