Air India and Zomato Collaborate to Transform Travel and Culinary Loyalty Experiences

Air India and Zomato Announce Strategic partnership for Maharaja Club Members

September 25, 2025

New Delhi, India – Air India has announced a collaborative agreement with Zomato, a leading food delivery platform. This partnership integrates the benefits of Air India’s Maharaja Club loyalty program directly into the Zomato ecosystem.

The alliance allows Maharaja Club members to access exclusive perks and streamlined ordering experiences on Zomato. This move reflects a growing trend among airlines to enhance customer loyalty programs by partnering with complementary service providers.

Expanding Loyalty Program Benefits

The integration is designed to offer Maharaja Club members more value and convenience. Details of the specific benefits, such as exclusive discounts or priority delivery options, are expected to be released shortly.This collaboration enables Air India to reach it’s customers beyond flights, providing advantages in their daily lives.

According to a recent report by Statista, approximately 83% of consumers are more likely to return to a brand that offers a loyalty program. This partnership aims to capitalize on that trend, strengthening customer ties for both Air India and zomato.

A Synergistic Collaboration

Zomato benefits from access to Air India’s extensive customer base, primarily frequent fliers. This expands Zomato’s reach within a demographic known for disposable income and a preference for convenience. Air India, in turn, enhances its loyalty program’s appeal by offering a practical and instantly usable perk.

Did You Know? Loyalty programs have evolved beyond simple rewards points. Today’s most accomplished programs, like Starbucks Rewards, offer personalized experiences and exclusive access.

Feature	Air India (Maharaja Club)	Zomato
Core Buisness	Airline Services	Food Delivery
Customer Base	Frequent Fliers, Travelers	Broad Consumer Base
Partnership Benefit	Enhanced Loyalty Program Value	expanded Customer Reach

Pro Tip: Always check the fine print of loyalty programs to understand the terms and conditions of rewards and benefits.

The move by Air India and Zomato mirrors similar partnerships in the travel and hospitality sectors,where companies are leveraging synergistic relationships to improve customer experiences and build brand loyalty. Will this lead to a new standard for airline loyalty programs?

What other partnerships would you like to see between travel companies and everyday services?

The Evolution of Airline Loyalty Programs

Airline loyalty programs have undergone a important transformation over the decades. initially, programs primarily focused on awarding miles based on distance flown. However,in recent years,airlines have diversified their approaches to include partnerships with hotels,car rental agencies,and now,food delivery services. This shift is driven by a desire to offer members more ways to earn and redeem rewards, thus increasing engagement and retention.

The integration of lifestyle benefits, such as access to exclusive events or discounts on everyday purchases, is becoming increasingly common. airlines are realizing that loyalty is no longer solely about flying, but about creating a complete and rewarding experience for their customers.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Air India-Zomato Partnership

• What is the Maharaja Club? It is Air India’s frequent flyer loyalty program, offering tiered benefits to members.
• How will the Zomato partnership impact Maharaja club members? Members will gain access to exclusive perks and deals on the Zomato platform.
• Are there any specific details about the benefits yet? The exact benefits will be announced shortly by Air India.
• Will this partnership effect Zomato’s delivery fees? The partnership may include discounted delivery options for Maharaja Club members.
• Is this partnership available internationally? Initial reports suggest the partnership is focused on the Indian market, but expansion is possible.
• What is the primary goal of this collaboration? The main aim is to enhance customer loyalty and provide added value to both Air India and Zomato customers.

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How might the integration of Zomato’s data influence Air India’s in-flight dining options and cater to a wider range of passenger preferences?

A New Altitude for Travel Perks: the Partnership Explained

Air India and Zomato have announced a strategic partnership poised to redefine the travel experience for passengers, particularly focusing on enhanced loyalty programs and culinary experiences. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both brands – Air India’s extensive travel network and Zomato’s dominant position in the food delivery and restaurant discovery space. The aim? To seamlessly integrate dining benefits into the journey, both in-flight and on the ground. This isn’t just about offering discounts; it’s about building a more holistic and rewarding experience for frequent flyers.

How the Air India & Zomato Partnership Works: Key Features

The collaboration manifests in several key ways, designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of travelers. Here’s a breakdown of the core components:

* Flying Returns integration: Air India’s Flying Returns loyalty program members can now earn miles on Zomato orders. This incentivizes existing members to utilize Zomato for their dining needs, strengthening brand loyalty across both platforms.

* Zomato Pro Plus Benefits for Flying Returns Members: Select tiers within the Flying Returns program gain access to exclusive Zomato Pro Plus benefits, including enhanced discounts and priority access at participating restaurants. This adds important value to higher-tier membership.

* In-Flight Dining Enhancements: Air india is exploring integrating Zomato’s data and insights to refine its in-flight menu offerings, catering to diverse palates and dietary requirements. Expect more regionally inspired dishes and healthier options.

* Restaurant Recommendations at Destinations: Travelers will receive curated restaurant recommendations via the Air India app, powered by Zomato, based on their destination and preferences. This simplifies dining choices while traveling.

* Seamless Ordering & Delivery: Potential for future integration allowing passengers to order meals for delivery to their hotel or airport lounge via Zomato directly through the Air India app.

Benefits for Air India Passengers

This partnership delivers a multitude of benefits for Air india customers:

* Increased Loyalty Rewards: Earning Flying Returns miles on everyday dining expenses adds a tangible benefit to Zomato usage.

* Enhanced Travel Experience: Access to curated restaurant recommendations and potential in-flight dining improvements elevate the overall travel journey.

* Convenience & Accessibility: Streamlined access to dining options at destinations simplifies travel planning.

* Exclusive Perks: Zomato Pro Plus access for select Flying Returns members provides significant savings and privileges.

* Personalized Dining: Data-driven menu improvements cater to individual preferences, enhancing satisfaction.

Benefits for Zomato Users

The collaboration isn’t a one-way street. Zomato also stands to gain significantly:

* Expanded User Base: Access to Air India’s extensive customer base introduces Zomato to a new segment of potential users.

* Increased Order Volume: Incentivizing flying Returns members to use Zomato drives order volume and revenue.

* Brand Visibility: The partnership elevates Zomato’s brand profile and reinforces its position as a leading food tech company.

* data Insights: Collaboration with Air India provides valuable data on traveler dining preferences, informing future product growth.

* Strengthened loyalty Program: The integration with Flying Returns enhances the value proposition of Zomato Pro Plus.

The Competitive Landscape: Airlines & Food Tech Convergence

This collaboration isn’t happening in a vacuum. Several airlines are exploring partnerships with food delivery services and restaurant platforms to enhance the passenger experience.

* Singapore Airlines has partnered with Deliveroo to offer in-flight meal pre-ordering and delivery.

* Emirates offers a curated selection of restaurants accessible through its app.

* Qatar Airways provides dining options through its Qmiles loyalty program.

The Air India-Zomato partnership aims to differentiate itself through a deeper integration of loyalty programs and a focus on personalized dining experiences. The key will be seamless execution and continuous innovation to stay ahead of the curve.

Practical Tips for Maximizing the Partnership Benefits

Here’s how travelers can make the most of the Air India-Zomato collaboration:

1. Link Accounts: Ensure your Flying Returns and Zomato accounts are linked to automatically earn miles on orders.
2. Utilize Zomato Pro Plus: If eligible, leverage your Zomato Pro Plus benefits for discounts and priority access at participating restaurants.
3. Explore Recommendations: Utilize the Air India app’s restaurant recommendations when traveling to new destinations.
4. provide Feedback: Share your dining experiences with both Air India and Zomato to help refine their offerings.
5. Stay Updated: Monitor both Air India and Zomato’s websites and apps for new features and promotions related to the partnership.

The Future of Travel & Culinary Loyalty

The Air India-Zomato collaboration represents a significant step towards a more integrated and rewarding travel experience. By seamlessly blending travel perks with culinary benefits, both companies are positioning themselves for success in a competitive market. Expect to see further innovation in this space, with airlines and food tech companies increasingly collaborating to cater to the evolving needs of modern travelers. The focus will be on personalization,convenience,and creating memorable experiences that extend beyond the flight itself. Travel rewards, **dining rewards