Air India (AI) is all set to join the world's largest airline grouping company— Star Alliance, this June, according to newspaper reports. It will become the first airline company from India to be part of a global chain of carriers.

The move, its CMD Rohit Nandan said, will bring immense benefits to Indian fliers as they will be able to earn-and-burn miles, get access to lounges across the globe and enjoy seamless connectivity across the globe.

Star Alliance CEO Mark F Schwab said that the CEOs of Star's member airlines will meet in London in mid June to have an endorsement vote on AI's entry into the fold. Once all airlines endorse the move, AI should be in Star by July.

Star had put AI's entry on hold three years back due to apprehensions expressed by other carriers. While AI has shown improvement, the fact remains Star desperately needed a member from India to take on the ever-increasing might of Gulf carriers. Together, Emirates and Etihad will soon transfer the real hubs of Indian travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, respectively.