Air India, Thai Airways deepen cooperation

Air India and Thai Airways International (THAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a deeper partnership aimed at boosting connectivity between Thailand, India, and destinations beyond. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the IATA AGM in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil. Air India and THAI intend to enter into a codeshare agreement in 2026, subject to the requisite regulatory approvals, designed to expand travel options for travellers between India and Thailand and deliver enhanced customer value across their respective networks. The two Star Alliance member carriers intend to place their respective designator codes (‘AI’ for Air India and ‘TG’ for THAI) on each other’s flights between India and Thailand as well as on select international routes from the two countries, providing their customers with convenient access to several destinations across Asia, North America, and Europe. The specific terms governing the proposed codeshare agreement will be announced in due course. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “India and Thailand are connected by longstanding cultural ties, growing economic engagement, and strong flows of tourism and business travel. As Asia reinforces its position at the centre of global growth, deeper collaboration between leading airlines will be key to enabling that growth by making travel more seamless and accessible. This MoU with Thai Airways brings together two carriers with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to service excellence. It also supports Air India’s broader ambition to strengthen India’s connectivity with the world, offering our customers more choice and greater value.” Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer, THAI, said: “The MoU with Air India marks a meaningful milestone in our strategy to strengthen the regional connectivity and better serve to passengers traveling between Thailand, India and destination beyond. It also reflects the shared commitment of both airlines to supporting economic growth, promoting people-to-people exchanges, while contributing to broader cooperation between the two countries.” Delta resumes Hong Kong-Los Angeles flights Delta Air Lines has returned to Hong Kong, inaugurating daily nonstop service to Los Angeles and reconnecting one of Asia’s most important markets with Delta’s premier U.S. West Coast gateway. Delta’s flight DL89 took off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 11:05 p.m. on June 6 and arrived at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) at 5:05 a.m. “This service marks another step in Delta’s long-term growth across Asia-Pacific, as we expand our network to further serve the evolving needs of our customers,” said Jeff Moomaw, Delta’s vice president – Asia Pacific. “We’re thankful for our partners in Hong Kong and for our customers who choose Delta, and we’re proud to offer an elevated, premium experience throughout their journey.” Flights from Hong Kong to Los Angeles will be operated daily on Delta’s Airbus A350-900, featuring four product experiences: Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. Delta One Suites offer lie-flat seating with a sliding door, premium bedding and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal. Delta Premium Select provides wider seats with deeper recline and enhanced amenities for a more spacious and relaxing journey. Customers flying Delta One receive exclusive access to the new Delta One Lounge at LAX, offering nearly 200 seats, a rotating chef-curated menu, a year-round Sushi bar, a wellness room with full-body massage chairs, and a design aesthetic inspired by the natural and architectural beauty of Southern California. These travelers also benefit from private security via the Delta One check-in and dedicated, concierge-style service from curb to gate. The new route also strengthens Delta Cargo’s transpacific network, creating a vital new air-freight corridor between Hong Kong, the world largest air cargo hub, and the U.S. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]