Jet Airways will develop closer ties Air France-KLM to boost the Europe-India segment after signing an ‘enhanced cooperation agreement.’
It is essentially a codesharing pact made up of a quartet of airlines – Jet, Air France, KLM and Delta Air Lines, aimed at strengthening connectivity between India, Europe and North America.
It will then offer access to 44 destinations in India and 106 in Europe, which adds seamless connectivity to the Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines’ transatlantic partnership.
"Air France-KLM and Jet Airways are launching the first-of-its-kind cooperation agreement on the India-Europe sector. We are innovating within the airline industry by offering connections between two partnerships for the first time: our enhanced cooperation agreement for India – Europe with Jet Airways and the Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines’ Europe – North American joint venture," said Jean-Marc Janaillac, CEO of Air France-KLM.
Combined, Air France-KLM and Jet Airways handle more than 1.2 million customers between India and Europe, and hope to increase this to 1.7 million passengers by the end of 2018.
Naresh Goyal, chairman of Jet Airways says the Air France-KLM tie up will not affect its existing commercial agreement with Etihad Airways.
"The Middle East is one of the most important markets for Jet Airways and this agreement will certainly not have any impact on our already healthy relations with Etihad Airways. Both airlines shall continue to work hand-in-hand for mutual benefits," Goyal said.
