New Delhi, July 11 (IANS): India's national carrier Air India on Saturday announced a number of initiatives to mark the first anniversary of its partnership with global airline network Star Alliance.

Among the initiatives were a chef offering exclusive personalized in-flight experience to passengers on 10 select domestic metro flights while Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports marked the event with celebrations, Air India said in a statement.

Air India is the first Indian airline to obtain Star Alliance membership and joined as the global airline alliance's 27th member last year.

The partnership opened 1,316 new destinations for Air India flyers offering 18,500 daily flights in 193 countries, the statement added.

The national carrier's passengers also benefited from various loyalty schemes. Loyalty programme Flying Return members holding Maharajah Club and Golden Edge Club membership automatically upgraded to Star Alliance Gold Status getting them access to 1,000 lounges across Star Alliance's global network.

The national carrier flies to 34 international destinations across USA, Europe, and Asia while its domestic destinations in India amount to 50.

Founded in 1997, Star Alliance connects 1,321 airports in 193 countries through its member airlines.