Air India (AI, Delhi International) is set to join Star Alliance on July 11, 2014 after the alliance's Chief Executive Board unanimously voted in favour of the move at a meeting held in London on June 23.

Rohit Nandan, Air India Chairman and Managing Director said: "Air India worked hard to meet the exacting expectations prior to joining and today, we are elated to be inducted into the Star Alliance family. It is indeed an honour and privilege to be the first airline from India to join the alliance. We eagerly look forward to extending the benefits and privileges of Star Alliance to passengers from July 11th, 2014."

Air India will add a total of 400 daily flights and 35 new destinations in India to Star's network.

"The biggest growth will come from its home market which is currently being served by 13 Star Alliance members flying to 10 destinations and holding a 13% market share. Bringing Air India into the equation not only adds more airports but also increases the Alliance's market share in India to 30%," Air India said in a statement.

As such, following its accession, Air India will be Star's first Indian airline. The carrier has faced a tumultuous task in joining the alliance after an initial attempt in 2011 was rebuffed on the grounds that the Indian national carrier's standards did not conform with those of Star.