Good news for India-US flyers as American Airlines signs IndiGo pact

American Airlines announced a codesharing agreement with India's largest airline, IndiGo, with the U.S. airline gearing up to launch new flights between the two countries.

The agreement, which is expected to begin in October, will see American Airlines' "code" on 29 IndiGo's domestic routes in India.

Code-sharing allows an airline to sell seats on a flight operated by its partner so that it can fly passengers to destinations it does not serve.

"We are delighted to sign this codeshare agreement with one of the world's largest and most reputed airlines," said Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo. "We are confident that this will be a strong partnership that will create many opportunities for trade and tourism through IndiGo's seamless nationwide connectivity. We look forward to having American's customers on our lean, clean flying machine, as we extend to them our on-time, affordable, courteous and hassle-free travel experience."

American Airlines said that the pact with IndiGo airlines, which is India's largest airline by the number of passengers carried and owned by InterGlobe Aviation, requires approval of U.S. and Indian authorities.

"We're eager to add IndiGo as our trusted partner in India," said Vasu Raja, American's Chief Revenue Officer. "Whether our customers are travelling for business or pleasure, this new partnership makes it easy to reach all four corners of India. Today we're adding 29 new routes to our map as a result of this agreement, providing customers with even more options around the globe."

The company is launching a new service between New York and India's capital Delhi next month and between Seattle and the city of Bengaluru early next year.

(Reuters)