Kingfisher to join oneworld alliance in Feb

Kingfisher Airlines will become part of the global airlines' alliance 'oneworld' with effect from February 10 next year.

The Vijay Mallya-owned carrier would become the first airline from the subcontinent to join any of the global airline groups, the two others being 'Star Alliance' and 'SkyTeam', spokespersons of the airline and the alliance said.

Besides Kingfisher, airberlin and Malaysia Airlines are also set to join the 'oneworld' alliance next year.

EXCLUSIVE: Two airlines trying to ensure Kingfisher collapse: Mallya

Air India's bid to join the Star Alliance has fallen through for the time being after the grouping suspended the joining process of the national carrier earlier this year, claiming non-fulfillment of various conditions.

Kingfisher received a green signal to join the alliance last week after successfully completing a thorough review of its readiness conducted by British Airways, which is sponsoring its entry into the alliance, with the 'oneworld' central team, they said.

Joining a global alliance gives an airline the benefit of the combined strength of all member airlines across the world, providing seamless travel to the passenger in any destination across the joint network.

From February 10, Kingfisher would be offering the full range of services of the alliance and substantially expanding the alliance network throughout India, the spokespersons said, adding it would enable the private carrier to strengthen its competitive offering and financial position.

Currently, seven of oneworld's partner airlines - American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Qantas and Royal Jordanian - serve the Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.