Air India (AI, Delhi International) has at long last succeeded in joining the Star Alliance following its accession on July 11. As the first Indian carrier in the alliance, Air India will add a total of 400 daily flights and over 40 new destinations in India to the alliance network.

"The biggest growth will come from its home market which has up to now been served by 13 Star Alliance members flying to 10 destinations and holding a 13% market share. As a result of the addition of Air India, the Alliance’s market share in India has risen to 30%," a press release read.

The state-backed carrier is poised for additional growth with news the Indian government has allocated it INR65billion (USD1.81billion) in funding under the country's 2014/15 budget.

While still a loss-maker, Air India has succeeded in tightening its finances registering a INR53.8billion loss for its in 2013/14 Financial Year, an improvement of INR1.1billion on the previous year.