Continental Airlines and Asiana Airlines Announce Alliance Partnership
October 28 2009 - 10:58AM
PR Newswire (US)
Provides More Choices of Travel Options to Customers in Korea and
the U.S. NEW YORK, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental
Airlines (NYSE: CAL) and Asiana Airlines have signed an Alliance
Agreement allowing both carriers to strengthen cooperation
following Continental's joining the Star Alliance on October 27,
2009. Larry Kellner, chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines, and
Young-Doo Yoon, President and COO of Asiana Airlines, met yesterday
in New York to sign the Alliance Agreement, extending cooperation
across a variety of areas including code sharing, frequent flyer
programs, and lounge access. Continental joined Star Alliance
October 27, 2009 as the 25th member. The customers of both airlines
will now be able to accrue and redeem mileage on any route operated
by either carrier, and the top-tier frequent flyer customers will
also have complete access to the lounges of both carriers, as well
as other Star Alliance benefits. In addition to the Star Alliance
benefits, Continental and Asiana plan to implement code share
arrangements starting in December 2009, subject to necessary
government approvals. With code share arrangements in place, both
airlines plan to offer greater convenience to mutual customers
traveling between South Korea and the U.S. and connecting
destinations throughout Asia and the Americas. "Continental looks
forward to cooperating with Asiana on code sharing, frequent flyer
reciprocity, and airport lounge access," said Larry Kellner,
chairman and CEO of Continental. "Asiana is an excellent alliance
partner for Continental because it offers quality service on many
important routes. Our two airlines can work together to provide
more choices for international travelers." Young-Doo Yoon,
President and COO of Asiana Airlines said, "Asiana Airlines truly
welcomes Continental to Star Alliance and is pleased to engage in
an alliance partnership with Continental. Continental is one of the
world's strongest airlines with extensive networks and world
renowned services. I believe this partnership will enable us to
achieve greater results and amplify the benefits received by our
customers in the future." Continental Airlines is the world's fifth
largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and
Continental Connection, has more than 2,400 daily departures
throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 130 domestic and
132 international destinations. Continental is a member of Star
Alliance, which provides access to more than 900 additional points
via 24 other member airlines. With more than 41,000 employees,
Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam,
and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63
million passengers per year. Asiana Airlines based in Seoul, Korea,
offers 516 daily departures throughout the Asia, Europe, North
America and Oceania, operating 13 domestic and 81 international
passenger routes and 20 cargo routes. Asiana is a member of Star
Alliance and was awarded the Five Star Airline designation by
SKYTRAX. Asiana was also named Airline of the Year in 2009 by Air
Transport World. With world renowned quality service, Asiana
carries more than 13 million passengers every year. DATASOURCE:
Continental Airlines CONTACT: Corporate Communications of
Continental Airlines, +1-713-324-5080, ; or Jason Kim, Public
Relations of Asiana Airlines, 82-2-2669-3837, Web Site:
http://www.continental.com/
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