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Continental Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc., and TAP Portugal, both members of Star Alliance, announced they will begin codeshare flights to a wide range of destinations in the United States, Central America, Europe and Africa.
Effective Oct. 11, 2010, Continental will place its "CO" code on seven to 10 weekly flights TAP operates between Continental’s hub at New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and Portugal, and on selected TAP-operated flights between Lisbon and the Portuguese destinations of Faro, Madeira and Oporto, as well as the African destinations of Praia, Sal and Sao Tome and cities in Spain, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Continental will also place its code on TAP-operated flights to Morocco, Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Mozambique, subject to government approval.
At the same time, TAP will place its "TP" code on selected Continental-operated flights between New York/Newark Liberty and 20 destinations in the U.S. and Mexico, as well as on Continental’s daily trans-Atlantic flights between Lisbon and New York/Newark Liberty.
"This codeshare agreement will improve access for Continental customers to several important destinations in Portugal, Europe and Africa, as well as increase their trans-Atlantic travel options," said Jim Compton, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of United Continental Holdings, Inc. "Continental is delighted to partner with TAP and to further capitalize on the tremendous opportunities offered by its Star Alliance membership."
"This codeshare with Continental represents yet another step in our efforts to widen the choice of service offered to our customers, through enhanced cooperation with our Star Alliance and codeshare partners," said Manoel Torres, Member of TAP’s Executive Board. "Among the additional benefits, TAP passengers will experience the convenience of new combined service options made possible through Continental’s wide network and numerous destinations in the United States and Central America."
Because both Continental and TAP are members of Star Alliance, members of Continental’s frequent-flier program, OnePass, and TAP’s frequent-flier program, Victoria, are able to earn and redeem mileage anywhere on either airline’s global route network. Continental BusinessFirst passengers, OnePass Platinum and Gold Elite members and Presidents Club members traveling on a same-day Star Alliance member flight are able to access TAP Lounges at the flight’s departure city, while TAP Business Class passengers and Victoria Gold members are able to access Continental’s Presidents Club lounges worldwide prior to departure on a same-day Star Alliance member flight.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
