Codesharing To Start By End Of Year

Continental Airlines and India's Kingfisher Airlines announced Thursday they have entered into a comprehensive partnership for frequent flyer, airport lounge access reciprocity and code sharing.

Continental has operated daily, non-stop flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Delhi since 2005. As a result of this agreement, the carrier will launch daily, non-stop flights between EWR and Mumbai on October 1, 2007.

"We are proud to partner with Kingfisher, who share our commitment to excellent customer service," said Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and chief executive officer. "Our partnership with Kingfisher builds upon our increased service between New York and India."

"Kingfisher Airlines is very proud to associate with Continental to offer great service to all our guests," added Dr. Vijay Mallya (below), Chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines Limited. "The relationship will benefit both the airlines as well as our guests. We value our guests who have been loyal and what better way of expressing our gratitude than to offer them miles redemption on the international sectors with the help of Continental."

Beginning October 1, 2007, members of the two airlines' frequent flyer programs, Continental's OnePass and Kingfisher's King Club, will be able to earn and redeem miles on all flights operated by the other carrier as well as reciprocal airport lounge access for eligible customers, including Continental BusinessFirst and Presidents Club members.

The carriers plan to begin their code sharing by the end of the year. Continental will place its code on Kingfisher flights connecting to Continental's daily flights between New York and Delhi and new service between New York and Mumbai.

Passengers traveling on connecting flights between Continental and Kingfisher will be able to have single check-in for all flights, including the issuance of electronic tickets, boarding passes and checked baggage to their final destination.

FMI: www.continental.com, www.flykingfisher.com