American Unveils Code-Share With Kingfisher

American Airlines continues to bolster its code-share arrangements with the addition of a “comprehensive” deal with Indian carrier Kingfisher Airlines, which is currently integrating with the oneworld alliance. The accord, which includes a code-share agreement and a frequent flyer relationship, is scheduled to start in 2011, subject to regulatory approvals. With this accord, American initially will place its ‘AA’ designator code on Kingfisher flights out of Delhi, one of the carrier’s secondary hubs. American will also code share on Kingfisher’s services to London Heathrow International Airport from Delhi and Mumbai, while its new Indian partner will place its ‘IT’ code on American’s service between Delhi and Chicago O’Hare International. “Selected” flights between the U.S. and Heathrow will also carrier Kingfisher’s code. These code-share flights will also accrue miles for both airlines’ frequent flyers. American and Kingfisher note that they also are exploring a more comprehensive frequent flyer agreement that will include the ability to earn and redeem miles across each carrier’s network. “We look forward to strengthening further our partnership as Kingfisher completes the process of joining the oneworld alliance,” adds American’s Chief Commercial Officer Virasb Vahidi in a release. Kingfisher Executive VP-Commercial Manoj Chacko continues, “The code share...will mark the first time ever that Kingfisher Airlines will place its code on any flight operating into the United States."