Vistara signs codeshare agreement US-based United Airlines

Vistara Tuesday announced it has entered into a codeshare agreement with the US-based United Airlines "for an expanded association".

The agreement will allow United Airlines to book seats for its passengers on Vistara flights.

"Codeshare agreement with Vistara opens up more than 20 destinations across India for United Airlines," Vistara said in a statement.

"Ticket sales by the agreement will begin later this year, pending government approvals," it added.

Full-service carrier Vistara has the permission from the central government to operate international flights. However, it has not started international operations yet.

"By the agreement, United Airlines will add its 'UA' designator code to more than 20 Vistara-operated flights each day opening up more than 20 destinations to United customers, including but not limited to Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad," said Vistara.

The full-service carrier added that its codeshare flights will offer convenient connections to and from the daily flight that United Airlines operates "to Delhi and Mumbai directly from New York/Newark".

Currently, Vistara flights operate from the same terminals as United Airlines at Delhi (T3 terminal) and Mumbai (T2 terminal), making connections at these airports convenient and seamless.

From December 5, United Airlines will start its seasonal service between San Francisco and New Delhi, enabling its customers from more than 80 American cities to fly directly to India with just one stop in San Francisco.

"The agreement enables United Airlines to codeshare on Vistara-operated Indian domestic flights and allows for customers of both carriers to earn and redeem frequent flier miles," Vistara said in the statement.

This means that United MileagePlus members will be able to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles on all Vistara routes and similarly, Vistara's Club Vistara members will be able to earn and redeem CV Points on all Vistara and United routes.

Vistara now connects 24 destinations and operates over 1,200 flights a week with a fleet of 23 Airbus A320 and six Boeing 737-800NG aircraft.