Star Alliance, the 19-member global airline grouping, on Thursday voted to accept India's national carrier Air India in the club that offers passengers a choice of over 17,000 daily flights across 160 countries.

"Air India is delighted in being invited to join Star Alliance... In addition, the recently announced fleet expansion of over 100 aircraft will help Air India serve the travelling public better in terms of global reach and services," Air India chairman and managing director V Thulasidas said in a statement.

The decision to accept Air India into the grouping was taken by the Star Alliance Board that met in Beijing. Star Alliance Board chairman Glenn Tilton, who also heads United Airlines, said: "India has long been on the radar of Star Alliance... Having now come to an agreement with Air

India makes us the first airline alliance to secure a member in India, which will enable our customers to receive more benefits when travelling to, from and within India in the future."

Thulasidas said that the Indian carrier would now be able to offer more value to passengers patronising member airlines of the alliance.

The specialised teams at Air India, Star Alliance and its member carriers will now be working on the integration process, which once completed, will make India's flag carrier a part of the Star Alliance network. Star Alliance members include Singapore Airlines, US Airways, United, Swiss and Lufthansa.