In a move to strengthen air travel connectivity between India and Japan, Air India and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have signed a codeshare agreement. This new commercial partnership will take effect from May 23, 2024, offering passengers on both airlines a wider range of travel options and a smoother flying experience. The codeshare agreement allows Air India to place its "AI" code on specific ANA flights operating between:
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Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Delhi (DEL)
Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Delhi (DEL)
Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Mumbai (BOM)
Similarly, ANA will add its "NH" code to Air India's flight on the route between:
Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Delhi (DEL)
This codeshare integration essentially allows passengers to book a single ticket for travel on flights operated by either airline on these designated routes. This eliminates the hassle of purchasing separate tickets for connecting flights and ensures a seamless travel experience under one reservation.
The partnership benefits passengers in several ways. They will have increased flexibility when choosing flights between India and Japan, with potentially more departure times and connections available. Additionally, passengers flying on codeshare flights may be eligible for benefits offered by the Star Alliance network, to which both Air India and ANA belong. These benefits could include access to airport lounges and priority boarding, depending on the passenger's loyalty status with either airline.
The agreement also holds significance for the airlines themselves. It allows them to expand their network reach without adding new flights themselves. Passengers searching for flights on either airline's website will now see codeshare options, potentially driving additional traffic and revenue for both Air India and ANA. Looking ahead, Air India and ANA have expressed interest in exploring further cooperation on additional routes beyond the initial ones included in the codeshare agreement. This suggests a potential for an even more comprehensive network offering for travelers between India and Japan in the future. Overall, the codeshare agreement between Air India and ANA represents a positive development for air travel between the two countries. It provides passengers with greater convenience and choice, while strengthening the airlines' network offerings and potentially boosting their business.