Air NZ signs codeshare with Air India

Air New Zealand and Air India have signed a codeshare deal providing smoother access and greater choice for travellers in both directions.

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

Air New Zealand codeshare into several Indian cities as a result of the agreement.

The airlines are both members of the Star Alliance and Air India will also be able to access the New Zealand market on Air New Zealand services, including over the Tasman, connecting to its current Sydney and Melbourne services.

Air New Zealand chief executive 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.

"The sheer size of India and its growing middle class make it an aviation force that will positively impact international traffic flows,'' said Luxon.

"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."

Air India flies a Dreamliner Boeing 787-8 four times a week to Sydney and three times a week to Melbourne.

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

Under codeshares, one carrier markets service and puts its code on another carrier's flights.

This offers airlines an opportunity to provide service to destinations not on their network.