Two major Japanese airline companies, All Nippon Airways Co. and Japan Airlines Co., have recently announced partnerships with major Indian airlines in anticipation of an increase in passenger demand. With a population of over 1.4 billion and experiencing economic growth, India is expected to see a surge in passenger numbers.
Japan Airlines (JAL) will begin code-sharing with IndiGo, the largest airline in India, on October 27th for two routes: between Haneda Airport and Delhi, and between Narita Airport and Bengaluru. Code-sharing allows multiple airlines to operate a single flight while each selling seats. JAL also plans to operate code-sharing flights on domestic flights within India that are operated by IndiGo.
Similarly, All Nippon Airways (ANA) began joint operations with Air India in late May. The code-sharing arrangement covers two ANA routes: between Haneda Airport and Delhi, and between Narita Airport and Mumbai. A route operated by Air India between Narita Airport and Delhi is also included.
The increase in passenger traffic between Japan and India has prompted these partnerships as both countries seek to expand their operations. The number of Japanese companies setting up bases in India has increased 2.7-fold from a decade ago, making the country an attractive market for business travelers.
Tourism from India to Japan has also been on the rise, increasing 2.2-fold from a decade ago to 166,394 visitors in 2023 according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
The Indian government reports that air passenger numbers are already exceeding pre-pandemic levels at 220 million passengers for fiscal year 2023 (April 2023 - March 2024). Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to further facilitate economic growth through the development of air traffic networks by expanding existing airports and constructing new ones.
India’s demand for air traffic ranks third globally after the United States and China according to the Airports Council International. As competition among airlines intensifies for Indian air passengers, IndiGo continues its rapid growth as a low-cost carrier operating routes domestically within more than 85 cities as well as internationally across over 30 cities.
Air India faced financial difficulties when it was state-run but came under control of Tata group—the largest business conglomerate in India—in 2022 with plans for investment from Singapore Airlines. It is currently a member of Star Alliance along with ANA.