Star Alliance' Chief Executive Board (CEB) unanimously decided to recommence the integration process with Air India as it would allow the Alliance to build a presence in the Indian sub-continent, Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab said.

Schwab said that the Indian sub-continent was one of the most important aviation markets, where the Alliance had yet to build its presence. Air India's entry into the Alliance would allow it to do that.

He also confirmed that the Alliance had unanimously agreed to extend Avianca's membership to include Avianca Brazil, which would help it maintain its presence in Brazil.

Speaking on the topic, he said, "This will allow us to maintain our presence in Brazil following the departure of TAM Airlines and to build a presence in one of the most important aviation markets where we do still not have a member carrier - the Indian sub-continent."

Star Alliance is the alliance of 28 top international carriers. The proposal of allowing Air India to join the Alliance was kept on hold since July 2011 as the carrier hadn't completed some obligatory conditions.

Founded in 1997, the Star Alliance operates nearly 21,900 flights to as many as 1,328 airports in 195 countries daily.