Dubai’s Emirates in early talks for codeshare agreement with Air India – report

Dubai’s Emirates in early talks for codeshare agreement with Air India – report

Dubai-based Emirates is in early talks for a codeshare agreement with Tata Group-run Air India, India’s financial daily Mint reported.

“Talks (with Air India) are at an early stage,” said Mohammad Sarhan, Vice President - India and Nepal - Emirates.

“They are a bit busy with the merger as well as other stuff. So, just initial-level talks are on, and let’s see how it evolves.”

Air India recently signed deals for 840 aircraft (470 firm orders and 370 options), including wide-body planes.

Sarhan said that Emirates intends to have a strong partner in India in the future.

“You know, earlier, United and Emirates were rivals and now they are best of friends. We just signed a codeshare. Air Canada used to be a challenge for us. Now we are best friends. I think sooner or later, we will be very close to some Indian carriers,” he stated.

Sarhan stated that “the best way forward (for Emirates) is (partnership) with a premium carrier”.

He added that the "current interline with almost all Indian carriers is not as good as codeshare, which will have one ticket, one fare, same baggage allowance, same service, and is more consistent".

Emirates currently flies to nine major cities in India, the report said, adding