Embassy Archives What's New/Press Releases

Air India to launch nonstop service from JFK, New York to Delhi

Washington, DC
February 8, 2008 

Air India will now offer 28 flights a week from NYC

Largest Indian Carrier Caps Historic Year of Expansion that Includes A Merger with Indian Airlines and Invitation to Join Star Alliance

India's largest airline, Air India, announced that it will launch nonstop service to Delhi from New York’s JFK International Airport, starting February 8, 2008. Utilizing a state-of-the-art 777-200LR aircraft, the flight will depart JFK at 4:00 PM and arrive in Delhi at 4:30 PM the next afternoon. Returning flights will depart Delhi at 12:30 AM and arrive at JFK at 5:45 AM the same day. 

The new flight will be the second nonstop service to India from JFK and will increase their frequency to 28 flights a week from New York, the most of any carrier. On August 1, Air India introduced its first daily, nonstop service from JFK to Mumbai on a Boeing 777-200LR. The aircraft is equipped with the latest in-flight features, including on-demand audio and video entertainment in each seat. 

Air India also announced that it has been invited to join the prestigious Star Alliance, the only Indian member to be part of the group. The move will offer Air India access to more than 16,000 daily flights operated by the 17 Star members around the world that include Lufthansa, United Airlines and Air Canada. In return, Air India’s large network of flights to and within India will benefit the other Star Alliance partners. The announcement caps an historic year for the international carrier, which merged with Indian Airlines in the summer, and has contracted for more than 100 additional aircraft to dramatically expand its fleet. 

“India enjoys one of the fastest growing economies in the world, attracting visitors and major international investment in record numbers. We are increasing nonstop service to meet the rising demand for more convenient travel to India,” noted Mr. P.S. Rajagopal, Air India’s Regional Manager, USA. “We are also proud to be invited to join the Star Alliance Network, which will allow us to significantly enhance the quality of our service and diversity of destinations we can offer our customers.”

As part of its modernization plan, Air India also launched this year an ambitious refurbishing program of its fleet of 747-400 jetliners, and will soon boast one of the youngest fleets in the industry. In addition to its service from JFK International Airport, it offers direct service to India from Newark (New Jersey), Toronto, Chicago, and Los Angeles. 

Air India is India's national carrier. The airline has been in operation since 1932 and serves cities throughout India, North America, Europe, Gulf/Mid-East, Africa, and Asia. For details and reservations, see your travel agent or contact Air India at 1-800-223-7776 or on the web at www.airindia.in