Delta eyes deeper ties with Jet for access to Indian market, says executive

Delta pulled out of Indian market in 2015 and at present does not operate its own flights to India

Last Updated : Jul 06 2017 | 3:16 AM IST

Delta Air Lines is exploring a deeper partnership with Jet Airways in order to gain access to the Indian market.

"Travel demand for India is growing, so Delta is certainly keen to access this important market via our code-share partnership with Jet Airways and our other joint-venture partners," said Nat Pieper, senior vice-president of alliances at Delta.

Pieper refused comment on stake sale talks between Delta and Jet Airways.

In March 2016, the US air carrier Delta signed an extensive code-share partnership with Jet Airways, gaining access to more than 30 Indian destinations as a result. A code share allows airlines to sell tickets on each other's network.

Jet and Delta, along with their European partners Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic, have integrated their schedules to offer better connections. The airlines also offer reciprocal frequent flyer miles and lounge access to customers. Frequent flyer miles or travel points are part of a loyalty programme offered by airlines. Typically, you accumulate miles based on how far you fly, then use these miles to buy tickets.

More than six million passengers travelled between India and North America in FY17. Emirates and Air Canada have the highest market share on India-US and India-Canada routes, respectively.

Enhanced co-operation will allow Jet and Delta to increase traffic flows between these regions.

"With around 11,000 passengers flying between North America and the Indian subcontinent each day, this market is an important one for Delta," Pieper said.

Delta pulled out of the Indian market in 2015 and at present does not operate its own flights to India. "At this stage, we have no plans to launch Delta non-stop service between North America and India, but we do constantly review our network," he said.