Air India (Mumbai) is finally moving ahead to join the Star Alliance. The alliance issued this statement today:

At its Chief Executive Board (CEB) meeting held in London on June 23, 2014, the CEOs of the Star Alliance network unanimously approved the membership of Air India, clearing the way for the National carrier to become the first Indian airline to join a global airline alliance.

The integration teams at Air India, Star Alliance and its member carriers will now complete the last necessary work in order to ensure that Air India can offer all Star Alliance customer benefits from July 11, 2014 onwards.

In total the Star Alliance network will grow to 27 member airlines, offering more than 18,500 daily flights serving 1,316 destinations in 192 countries.

Reciprocal frequent flyer benefits between Air India’s Flying Returns programme and those of the existing member carries will also become effective on July 11, 2014. This will provide customers with more options in earning and redeeming, upgrading and obtaining Star Alliance Gold status.

Customers holding Star Alliance Gold status have access to more than 1,000 lounges across the global network, can check-in at specially designated counters, have an increased baggage allowance and receive priority boarding and baggage delivery. All these benefits will also be provided by Air India.

Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-337 ER VT-ALM (msn 36311) lands at JFK International Airport in New York.

Air India: