Air NZ and Air India announce codeshare agreement

Air New Zealand and Air India have signed a codeshare agreement on services between New Zealand and India providing greater access and choice to travellers in both directions.

The deal will see Air New Zealand codeshare into several Indian cities over multiple gateways. Fellow Star Alliance carrier Air India will also be able to access the New Zealand market on Air New Zealand services, including over the Tasman, connecting its current Sydney and Melbourne services.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon and Air India Chairman and Managing Director Rohit Nandan signed the agreement at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Miami today.

Mr Luxon says, "The sheer size of India and its growing middle class make it an aviation force that will positively impact international traffic flows. Close to 90,000 people currently travel between India and New Zealand every year and this number is growing. This codeshare agreement will provide greater choice and convenience for those travelling between our two countries in both directions."

Codeshare services are expected to go on sale in the coming months.